KOTA BARU: Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed will sit out the 15th General Election for health reasons.
His political secretary Zahari Kechik, when contacted, said: “Following his doctor’s recommendation, he will not compete due to his health.”
Zahari, who is speculated to replace his boss, however, said it was still uncertain whether he would be named as the replacement.
“I am in no position to confirm this. The question should be posed to the Kelantan Perikatan Nasional liaison committee,” he said.
Mustapa, 72, said he had conveyed his wish to Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“This decision was made after taking into account the doctor’s advice on my health, which does not allow me to continue serving as an effective representative of the people,” he said.
He had represented Barisan Nasional in Jeli since 1995 before he switched to Bersatu in 2018.
He expressed his gratitude to all the people in Jeli for their support. He also thanked Cabinet ministers, party members and state civil servants.