Umno says nothing special about Nik Aziz
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider
Umno’s election heads have scoffed at Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s influence in the state, stating that Umno leaders are far more capable than the influential cleric.
Coming on the eve of nominations for the Manek Urai by-election, the show of confidence appears designed to break the psychological grip that the PAS spiritual leader has on the mostly Malay Muslim state.
“Nik Aziz is only influential in Kelantan whereas Tok Pa has, among other things, been a minister,” said Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan, referring to Umno Kelantan chief Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, who is the party’s election director for the July 14 vote. Both Umno leaders rejected the idea that Nik Aziz’s iconic status among Muslims would be the defining factor for the Malay electorate who make up over 99 per cent of the 12,300 voters.
