BAGAN DATUK (April 18): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi welcomes anyone to contest in the Bagan Datuk's parliamentary constituency in the 14th general election (GE14).

Zahid, who is the incumbent for the seat, said it was up to the voters in Bagan Datuk to determine for themselves as to which party or individual will provide continuity and the best service there.

“I certainly will not reject any party or individual who wants to give meaning to democracy in Bagan Datuk.

“Surely the people of Bagan Datuk can assess who are the seasonal leaders who come each harvest season, and because there is no fruit season in Bagan Datuk, we only have coconuts and oil palm, so the fruit season will never come to Bagan Datuk,” he said at a press conference held after lunch at Restoren Basha here today.

Zahid was commenting on the announcement by the president of Persatuan Seni Silat Gayong Ghaib Malaysia (PSSGGM) Ibrahim Mat Zin, 68, better known as Raja Bomoh, yesterday to contest in the Bagan Datuk parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.

Ahmad Zahid also called on youths who had migrated to the cities to return on May 9 to vote.

“Those who are living outside Bagan Datuk, come back to vote because that date has been declared a public holiday,” he said.

In GE13, Ahmad Zahid won the Bagan Datuk parliamentary seat with a majority of 2,108 votes.

The Election Commission has fixed polling day for GE14 on May 9 and nomination day on April 28. — Bernama