No discussion about Pulai seat, Khalid Samad to focus on state polls

STATE POLLS | Amid speculations of his return to Parliament through the upcoming Pulai by-election, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad today said his focus remains on the ongoing six state elections.

Khalid, who is on the campaign trail in Kelantan, in a brief text message to Malaysiakini said, “Not yet (discussed), focus on the state elections.”

Speaking at a press conference with Kelantan Amanah candidates in Kota Bharu, the former minister said he has not started thinking about the Pulai by-election.

“I haven’t even thought about it yet, and the national leaders have yet to formally discuss the matter.

“I don’t know who mentioned my name (for the seat),” he added.

Khalid (above) was asked to comment on Johor Amanah chief Aminolhuda Hassan who reportedly said yesterday the state party leadership will accept any decision made at the national level, despite a preference for local candidates with grassroots support.

Khalid was a three-time Shah Alam parliamentarian but was moved to Titiwangsa for the 15th general election where he lost to BN’s Johari Ghani.

When contacted, Aminolhuda said Johor Amanah will deliberate on candidates nominated by its Pulai division, as well as Bakri division for the Simpang Jeram state seat, before the final decision by the party’s national leaders.

He said the state leadership will also make additions to the candidate list if necessary.

“The state leaders will review the names based on suitability, there will be several criteria that need to be met.

“The criteria could be different for the Parliament and state seat,” the Sri Gading MP told Malaysiakini today.

“If we feel the list is not quite strong enough, we will include more names to ensure the final candidate chosen has a real winnable chance,” he added.

At the same time, he reiterated that the final decision lies in the hands of Amanah’s central leaders and Johor Amanah will accept any candidates to be fielded in Pulai and Simpang Jeram.

Khalid replacing Salahuddin speculation

Aminolhuda was addressing speculations that Amanah will field Khalid to replace Salahuddin Ayub whose recent passing triggered both by-elections.

Yesterday, Berita Harian quoted Aminolhuda as saying that so far, the state leadership has received only one name to be considered for the Pulai seat, while there are none for Simpang Jeram.

In GE15, Salahuddin defended his Pulai seat for the second term against Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Perikatan Nasional’s Loh Kah Yong.

He also defended the Simpang Jeram seat for the second term against PN and BN during the Johor state election in March last year.

This time, Harapan and BN’s new alliance after GE15 have seen Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s declaration that the party will make way for Amanah to defend the seats against PN and others.

The Election Commission has set Aug 26 as the nomination day for both seats, early voting on Sept 5, and polling day on Sept 9.

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