NENGGIRI POLLS: UMNO YOUTH HOPEFUL OF YOUNG CANDIDATE BEING FIELDED

MACHANG, July 4 (Bernama) -- UMNO Youth is hopeful that the party will provide opportunities for young candidates to compete in next month's Nenggiri state by-election.

UMNO Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said young candidates are often more relatable to voters, capable of effectively communicating information and bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas to develop the constituency.

“Regarding UMNO Youth's candidate nomination, we will discuss this matter with the Kelantan UMNO political bureau before submitting it to the party’s leadership.

“We therefore appeal to Kelantan UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub to consider nominating a youth representative for the upcoming Nenggiri by-election,” he told reporters after officiating the Machang UMNO Youth wing annual general meeting here today.

Dr Muhamad Akmal said any candidate chosen from UMNO Youth must meet stringent criteria, including residency in the constituency and a commitment to serving as a public servant rather than merely holding office.

On June 19, Kelantan State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah announced the vacancy of the Nenggiri state seat, after receiving a written notice under clause (3) of Article 31A of the State Constitution from its elected representative Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, on June 13.

The Election Commission has set August 17 as polling day for the Nenggiri state by-election, with nominations and early voting scheduled for August 3 and 13 respectively.

-- BERNAMA