His political adversary is Khalid Ahmad, the political secretary to the Perlis menteri besar.

The post of deputy chief, which fell vacant after Tambun Tulang state assemblyman Ismail Kassim and Shahidan’s younger brother quit Umno, will see a straight fight between Yusof Othman, a special officer of the MB, and Kampung Sentua, Utan Aji, Umno branch chief Salim Dahaman.

Former vice-chief of the Arau division Umno Youth, Zairul Anwar Khamis, is to compete with Simpang Empat state assemblyman and Arau Umno division executive committee member Nurulhisham Yaakob for the post of Arau division vice-chief, vacated by Rozabil Abdul Rahman.

Yusof, who is the Titi Besi Umno branch chief, said these developments were associated with the desire of the party grassroots to see a change in the divisional leadership.

He said the divisional elections were scheduled for June 30 at the Kubang Gajah service centre here.