Manager VS Fish Wholesaler

KUALA KRAI, July 12 — With two more days before polling the educational background of the candidates in the Manek Urai by-election is still an important issue in the campaign.

Barisan Nasional (BN) also remains consistent in its promise to build more infrastructure in this rural constituency.

Today, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged the voters to elect the more knowledgeable candidate, in a direct reference to BN’s Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat who was a manager at the land development body Kesedar.

PAS's candidate Fauzi Abdullah is a well-known fish wholesaler.

“If you want 'development through Islam', it has to be through knowledge,” said Muhyiddin, referring to the PAS's campaign platform.

“If you want to choose a candidate choose someone with more knowledge,” he added.

Citing a verse from the Quran, the BN election chief said that Manek Urai needs a knowledgeable representative.

BN's campaign, which belittled Fauzi's profession, resulted in protests by the state fishmongers association and last night the group organised grilled fish parties in all nine polling districts to show their support to the Kuala Krai PAS treasurer.

Muhyiddin also continued to promise to bring development to the constituency.

“I call it a new deal for Manek Urai, I'm offering something that Nik Aziz cannot do, so why don't you support Barisan Nasional,” he added.

Later at a press conference Muhyiddin claimed that he has received a high number of applications to build more mosques and bridges.

“Many came to me for assistance, the people want new mosques and bridges,” said Muhyiddin, adding that the PAS government has failed to bring development.

“We respect Tok Guru as a religious teacher, but to bring development, he can't,” he said, referring to Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.