What should be a factor, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Kuala Kangsar Mastura Mohd Yazid told the New Straits Times, is the support the individual has, and there should be no problem if that support is going towards a woman.

“The Sungai Besar seat, for example, was held by the late Noriah Kasnon.

“And now, BN has chosen a male candidate (Budiman Mohd Zohdi) as the leadership feels he will receive the most support, not because of his gender,” she was quoted as saying.

Noriah along with Mastura’s husband, Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Mohammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad, died in a helicopter crash in Sarawak last month. By-elections for both seats will take place on June 18.

Mastura has been fielded to fill the vacancy left by her husband but the move has been criticised by many as she is not originally from the constituency.

She said although she had not been born in the constituency, she had resided in and called the place home for 27 years. This has allowed her to familiarise herself with the place and befriend the locals.

Mastura, who is still in her grieving period, also said she was never a housewife, and had gone down to the ground along with her late husband throughout his years of service.

“My late husband was an ‘orang Kuala’ and I have called this place home for 27 years. So, back to what defines a local and an outsider. I regard myself as an ‘orang Kuala’ and I feel at home with the ‘orang Kuala.’

“As such, it is up to Kuala Kangsar voters to decide if they see me as one of their own. That is what’s important to me,” The NST quoted her as saying.

“I have a heavy responsibility, which is to fulfil my late husband’s vision and plans. These are things he planned and I also have a mission and vision for Kuala Kangsar folk, especially its youngsters.

“To achieve them, I have to be chosen first. As for the accusations, I believe that the people of Kuala Kangsar know me and can differentiate between reality and accusations. I think they will opt for reality, as they know me well.”