Its chairman Kamaruddin Nor said party members in the division preferred a local leader over Wan Fayshal, who is based in Kuala Lumpur, Berita Harian reported.

“There is no issue of Wan Fayhsal being boycotted, as he has served excellently as the MP for Machang.

“However, one must understand the culture in Kelantan. Most people prefer their division chief or leader to be someone who resides in the area,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that Wan Fayhsal was merely a challenger in the contest and had gone up against the incumbent.

“If the position had previously belonged to Wan Fayhsal, it would be a different story. But in this case, he was only a challenger. So, in yesterday’s election, Kamaruddin (Ab Kadir) successfully defended his seat,” he said.

Yesterday, Wan Fayshal lost the contest for the Machang Bersatu division chief to Kamaruddin Ab Kadir.

The incumbent, who is also known as Cikgu Din, obtained 103 votes against the former Bersatu Youth chief’s 26 votes.

Malaysiakini quoted Bersatu election committee secretary Amirul Fahmi Mazlan Kushairi as confirming the election results.