BAGAN DATUK: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has welcomed an electoral challenge from Tawfik Ismail of the Gerak Independent movement, saying the people were smart enough to tell the difference between diamonds and glass.
“This country practises democracy and all politicians uphold this, so I invite anyone to contest the seat here,” he said.
Tawfik, son of Malaysia’s second deputy prime minister Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, has said he was prepared to contest against Zahid in any seat, including Bagan Datuk.
Zahid has been MP for Bagan Datuk for six terms since 1996 while Tawfik was once MP for Sungai Benut, Johor, from 1986 to 1990, when he was with Umno. He has since founded the Gerak Independent movement.
Zahid said: “If Tawfik wants the Bagan Datuk seat, I welcome him as ultimately, the people will decide and definitely, they are smart enough to differentiate between a diamond and glass.”