KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Aug 2008: Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah is the most qualified candidate to take on PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Permatang Pauh by-election, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Abdullah, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said local boy Arif Shah, 52, had a good track record in serving the people there by virtue of being the Seberang Jaya state assemblyman, which is one of the three state seats in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency.
“He has been serving in Umno for a long time and is loyal to the party. He has the will and is very active in providing service to the people. He is the best candidate. He also has leadership skills.
“Arif Shah stands a good chance of competing with the opposition,” Abdullah said.
Nomination day is set for 16 Aug and polling day is on 26 Aug. – Bernama
