Fathul Huzir Ayob of Bersatu, who defeated Asyraf in 2022, said he is prepared to face Asyraf again at the next general election.

“We are aware (of Asyraf’s plans), and we see how he carries himself. But (in the end) voters will assess us,” he said in an interview with PAS TV.

Asyraf failed to defend the Umno stronghold in 2022, losing to Fathul by a 1,377-vote majority.

Asyraf, then Umno Youth leader, secured 13,728 votes, while Fathul, a Bersatu Supreme Council member, won with 15,105 votes.

Despite Asyraf’s recent moves, Fathul said that as a local resident, he still has an edge over Asyraf, who is Mara chairman.

“Constituents here will vote for a local candidate, even if it’s not me. They want a leader who can relate to the farmers here,” he said.

Gerik, in northern Perak, is the western starting point of the East-West Highway between Penang and Kelantan. The constituency, with a 70% Malay electorate, was held by Barisan Nasional candidates between 1974 and 2022.