No candidate protest in Ajil state assembly

KUALA TERENGGANU - Umno's Hulu Terengganu Division has denied that there had been a protest against its candidate, causing several Barisan Nasional (BN) headquarters to be closed in the Ajil state legislative assembly.

Umno Hulu Terengganu Division committee member Sabri Razak said the claim that there were objections made by some party supporters at the Terengganu Umno office on Sunday afternoon was also untrue.

"I, as the Head of Information for Ajil state assembly, would like to explain the actual situation that happened in Ajil state assembly, I was present during the meeting with state UMNO Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Said yesterday (Sunday).

"Therefore, I represent the leaders of the Ajil state assembly denying the allegation of the closure of the offices as a sign of protest against the candidate as being spread," he said in a statement here on Monday.

Sabri clarified that his party was in agreement with the candidate selected by the party leadership, considering the criteria of a "winnable candidate."

"It doesn't matter who the candidate is for Ajil state assembly; our only wish is for the chosen candidate to win.

"I call upon all my comrades in Umno and BN to join forces to ensure our victory," he said.

According to Sabri, a special meeting with branch chiefs was held to express support for the candidate.

Earlier, former Malaysian Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia (KMM) Datuk Seri Jailani Johari was announced as a candidate for the seat.

He is among 107 other BN candidates contesting in the state elections in six states on Aug 12.

The announcement was made at BN's 15th Candidate Announcement Ceremony at the World Trade Center (WTC) on Friday night.