GE13: Probe to be launched after BN Pasir Mas nomination shocker

(The Star) – Kelantan Barisan Nasional will launch a probe over the failure of its Pasir Mas parliamentary candidate, who did not submit his nomination papers on April 20.

State Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has expressed shocked and claim that the party will launch a special investigation to look into the matter.

“We will convene a special meeting to discuss with all our political bureaus on why the candidate did not submit his nomination papers and on our next strategy for the seat,” he told reporters after filing nomination papers for Barisan candidate at Jeli Land and District office, here yesterday.

It was reported that Barisan candidate for Pasir Mas Che Johan Che Pa, the Pasir Mas Umno division deputy chief, did not submit his nomination papers paving way for a straight fight between Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali and Nik Aziz’s son, Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.

Mustapa, affectionately known as Tok Pa, will see a straight fight with PAS candidates for both the Jeli and Ayer Lanas state seat.

He will be challenged by PAS’ Mohd Apendi Mohamed in Jeli and Abdullah Ya’kub.

Mustapa, who is tipped to become the next Kelantan Mentri Besar if Barisan managed to take over the state, reiterated Barisan’s target of winning 23 parliamentary seats and eight parliamentary seats.

“I believe we have a better chance with our new batch of candidates who are a mix young and old ulama, technocrats, retired civil servants and activist,” he said.

When asked if he would likely become the next Mentri Besar, he said, “all 45 candidates who are fielded to contest in state seats have a chance to become the next MB,” he said.