Yasmin Mohd Yazid said her sister had been campaigning in the constituency with her late husband for 27 years and was well known and popular among the people.

“She has been interacting with the voters here for 27 years.

“Mastura has stood by her late husband Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad to serve the people of Kuala Kangsar. Those in the remote areas know her well. Therefore, it is unfair to throw accusations at my sister that she is not campaigning,” said Yasmin in a statement.

Mastura, 55, a law graduate from Lincoln’s Inn in the United Kingdom and who had served as a lawyer for six years, had apologised to the party machinery for not being able to join BN’s campaign that is scheduled to begin on June 5.

In a video, she had said that she took that decision as she was currently observing her four months and 10 days ‘iddah’ (grace period after the death of her husband), as stipulated by Islamic law.

Yasmin said Mastura and her late husband had weathered the ups and downs with the people of Kuala Kangsar. They had fostered mutual friendships by sharing time and energy with the people of the constituency.

“There are not many of us who are willing to work hard to keep the promises made as it requires one to be honest in their work as my sister has done,” Yasmin said.

Due to that, she hoped Mastura would be given the opportunity to serve the people who are fond of her.

Yasmin also wrote about her sister’s character of being transparent, adding that she did not like to be involved in power struggles or money politics.

“Those who are slandering, insulting and cursing her do not know my sister. The truth is she is not power hungry. She is willing to sacrifice for the sake of religion and to upkeep her late husband’s dignity,” Yasmin added.

She added that Mastura often made people comfortable with her smile without accepting anything in return.

“She is courteous, loyal to her family, nation and religion. These are the qualities of Mastura. Aren’t these the qualities people look for in a person.”

Yasmin said her sister had been patient in the face of slander hurdled at her as she knew the good would prevail at the end.

Mastura was named as the Kuala Kangsar by-election candidate by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The mother of four had also been active in politics and was a committee member of the Chembong Umno division, Negri Sembilan, before making the decision to concentrate on her family.

The by-election for Kuala Kangsar is being held following the death of its incumbent Wan Mohammad Khair-il in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau.

The Election Commission has fixed June 18 as polling day for the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat while nomination day is set for June 5.