Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir said the remark made by the candidate was seen as undermining the ability of women in this country.

“It is not a good gesture when (one is) undermining other people’s ability, especially the women (PAS or Barisan Nasional candidates) in the by-election.

“It should not be highlighted by someone who is contesting to represent the people,” he told reporters after visiting the Barisan Nasional (BN) Operations Room at Safari Resort here today.

He was commenting on a remark made by Izat Bukhary yesterday who said only men deserve to be leaders and not the women, during an interview with reporters after the nomination at Dewan Jubli Perak, Kuala Kangsar.

The independent candidate said: “Men need to be leaders, not women. If they cannot even lead a family, how can they handle something even bigger?”.

Zambry who is also BN election director for the Kuala Kangsar by-election, urged all quarters campaigning in the by-election to respect the holy month of Ramadan.

“Avoid from (doing) things that can reduce fasting ‘pahala’ (rewards) and most importantly, campaign prudently without smearing anyone that can further sully our fasting,” he said.

The Kuala Kangsar by-election was called following the death of Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad who perished with five others in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak, on May 5.

Nomination was held yesterday while polling day was fixed for June 18.

The parliamentary by-election is a four-cornered contest involving BN, PAS, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and an independent candidate.

The two women candidates contesting for the seat are Mastura Mohd Yazid (BN) and Perak PAS Women’s chief, Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad.

Amanah is represented by its candidate, who is also the Kuala Kangsar division chief, Prof Dr Ahmad Termizi Ramli.

– BERNAMA