The chief of the party’s state chapter, Kamarudin Nor, said it was not a matter of Bersatu lacking eligible candidates, as claimed by Umno.

In fact, Bersatu had many suitable leaders who were potential candidates, Kamarudin said.

“We took some time to decide on a candidate as we wanted one who the locals were fond of.

“And there is no advantage in announcing our candidate earlier. A victory or loss is determined by the voters,” he told FMT.

On Monday, Perikatan Nasional named former PAS member Rizwadi Ismail as its candidate for the Aug 17 by-election for the state seat in Kelantan. Rizwadi is a former navy officer.

Subsequently, Kelantan Umno information chief Zawawi Othman said Bersatu was forced to pick a former PAS member as the party lacked candidates.

Kamarudin also denied claims that Rizwadi was named as a candidate after the leadership hit a dead end with the previous two that were shortlisted, namely former Gua Musang Umno Youth chief Sheikh Razali Hamad and state civil servant Sun Najaman Muhamad.

He also rubbished the allegation that Rizwadi was picked because they were afraid that the PAS machinery would otherwise boycott the campaign and polls.

Barisan Nasional, representing the unity alliance, has named Kelantan Umno Youth chief Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani as its candidate for the by-election. Nominations will be held on Aug 3.

The Nenggiri seat was declared vacant by the state assembly speaker following a notice from Bersatu that Azizi Abu Naim, its incumbent, had ceased to be a member of the party.