GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional’s first time candidates for the Permatang Pauh and Bagan parliamentary constituencies are unfazed with having to face “political giants” in the 14th General Election (GE14).
Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said has been chosen to contest in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat against PKR’s Nurul Izzah Anwar and Pas’ Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.
Meanwhile, Datuk Lee Beng Seng would go against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Malaysian United Party’s Koay Xing Boon in the Bagan parliamentary seat.
Zaidi, who is also Permatang Pauh Umno division chief, said he was prepared to face off with Nurul Izzah, despite her being an old-timer in politics with a high post in PKR.
“I am ready to put up a good fight.
“I have been going to the ground for the last five years and I understand the people’s needs. They want a leader who is a local, can deliver and easily approachable, and I fit the bill,” he said.
The seat is currently held by PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Zaidi said while Permatang Pauh was now an opposition stronghold, he believed BN had a fair chance of winning there.
“There was never any hope for us in the past but the situation is different now.
“There is a 50-50 chance for us and I am optimistic that BN will be able to make a difference.
“Right now, we can see a minor tsunami in favour of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee acknowledged that BN was coming in as an “underdog” in Bagan.
He however said there were many local issues there which could be used in the campaign period.
Meanwhile, first timer, B. Jayanthi Dewi, who would be fielded in the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat, said she sensed a change among the voters there towards BN.
“There are more than 50 per cent women voters here and we hope to engage with them.
“We understand that they have suffered under the current administration and we are offering them a chance for change,” she said.
First timer, Koo Pei Chee, 32, is hoping to cash in on her youth as she takes on BN opponents in the Batu Lanchang state seat.
“I am proud to be fielded and I hope I can pull in the votes from the young generation,” she said.