Observing iddah, BN candidate unable to join campaign for Kuala Kangsar by-election

Mastura, 55, said she took the decision as she is currently observing her four months and 10 days 'iddah' (grace period after the death of husband), as stipulated by Islamic law.

"It is mandatory for me to observe the iddah and hope that the party machinery, especially at the branch and polling district level can understand my situation.

"I want to apologise to all. According to the election practice of the party, as the person who has been nominated as the candidate, I should be with the party machinery and the people for the election campaign.

"If Allah wills that if I'm chosen as the member of Parliament, I will carry out the mandate given by the people to the fullest and as a continuation of what had been initiated by my late husband (Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad)," she said here today.

She said this via a video recording, screened after the announcement of the BN candidate and the launch of the BN machinery, by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, here today.

Mastura also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Ahmad Zahid and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir for putting their trust in her.

"I am here only to continue my late husband's struggle, that is to serve and contribute to the people of Kuala Kangsar.

"This by-election is not about me, but it is about BN as the best platform to serve the people here," she said.

The by-election for Kuala Kangsar is being held following the death of her husband Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak on May 5.

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

Mastura's eldest son Wan Emir Astar, 26, said although he and his family were startled with the decision by the party leadership, he was confident that his mother was capable of taking on the responsibilityas she had always stood by his late father's side and had a better understanding of the needs of the Kuala Kangsar people.

Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil opined that Mastura's decision to limit her movements during the by-election campaign would not affect the party.

"I believe that voters in the constituency would understand that Mastura has to observe the iddah. However, voters need not worry because the Wanita machinery will keep in touch with her to inform about the developments of the campaign," she said.

Admitting that Mastura's absence would become a challenge for the BN machinery, UMNO Information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa nevertheless said it was not a hindrance for the BN candidate, as she was a well known among the Kuala Kangsar people.

"We can also use the latest technology such as video conferencing and install big screens during the campaign in order to assist Datin Mastura to convey something to the voters," he said.