BN's Mastura optimistic ahead of Kuala Kangsar polls

KUALA KANGSAR: Barisan Nasional (BN) hopeful Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid has expressed optimism on her chances of success as the constituency goes to the polls tomorrow.
"As a candidate of an election of course I have high hopes to win and at the same time our party machinery is working to their maximum level to ensure a win for BN," she said during a press conference at her house early today.
The widow of the late MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad who died in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak in May, said she was also hoping to increase BN's majority if she wins.
Mastura, 55, graduated from Lincoln's Inn in the United Kingdom and has served as a lawyer for six years.
The mother of four has also been active in politics and was a committee member of the Chembong Umno division in Negri Sembilan before making the decision to quit and focus on her family.
When asked on speculation that Kuala Kangsar Umno division chief Datuk Ramli Zahari was not happy with her candidacy, Mastura said she had no problem with the former and considered the seasoned politician as her brother.
" I don't have any problem with him, he is like my own brother.
"His wife is also a friend of mine and we were active together in many of the state level events," she explained.
In the 13th General Election, Wan Mohammad Khair-il obtained a majority of 1,082 votes to beat PAS candidate Khalil Idham Lim Abdullah and independent candidate Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim.
The Kuala Kangsar Parliamentary constituency has 32,949 registered voters comprising ordinary voters (32,632), early voters (312) and absent voters abroad (5).
The election will see a four-cornered contest involving BN, PAS, Parti Amanah Negara and an independent candidate.
Mastura of BN faces Perak PAS Women's chief Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad, Kuala Kangsar Amanah vice-chief Prof Dr Ahmad Termizi Ramli and independent candidate Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary.