IPOH: PKR has chosen a retired teacher to challenge Deputy Prime Minister and incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the Bagan Datuk parliamentary constituency in the 14th general election (GE14).
Pakhrurrazi Arshad, 65, a new face in the race will fight it out with Ahmad Zahid who has held the seat for six terms since 1995, and potentially two others, ‘Raja Bomoh’ Datuk Ibrahim Mat Zin, 68, and PAS’ Ata Abdul Muneim Hasan Adli.
The list of candidates was announced by Perak PKR chairman Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty at a ceremony here today, to introduce those selected.
In GE13, Zahid defeated PKR’s Madhi Hasan with a majority of 2,108 votes.
In GE14, PKR will contest five parliamentary constituencies, Gopeng, Tanjung Malim, Padang Rengas, Sungai Siput, and Bagan Datuk.
Perak PKR deputy chairman Dr Lee Boon Chye will defend Gopeng while Teja incumbent assemblyman Chang Lih Kang will stand in Tanjung Malim and Hutan Melintang incumbent assemblyman S.Kesavan will move to Sungai Siput; Ejazi Yahaya will stand in Padang Rengas.
Perak PKR will also contest 14 state seats, Kenering, Batu Kurau, Kuala Kurau, Kuala Sepetang, Alor Pongsu, Chenderoh, Lintang, Hulu Kinta, Bukit Chandan, Tualang Sekah, Simpang Pulai, Teja, Sungai Manik and Hutan Melintang.
Perak PKR is fielding 10 new faces, eight youths and three women in GE14.
Kapar incumbent member of parliament, G Manivanan will move to the state constituency of Hutan Melintang while Lumut incumbent MP, first admiral (Rtd) Mohamad Imran Abdul Hamid will move to Bukit Chandan state constituency.
Perak PKR’s women candidates are political secretary and Gopeng incumbent assemblyman Sandrea Ng who will move to Teja; Chua Yee Ling (Kuala Sepetang) and Tan Kar Hing (Simpang Pulai). -- Bernama