TROUBLE is brewing ahead of the state polls in Terengganu as state Umno machinery says it won’t accept Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates and will not work for the coalition’s candidates.

An Utusan Malaysia report quoting sources said the protest stems from the fact that Umno grassroots in the state cannot accept working with PH, despite being partners in the unity government at the Federal level.

A source told the Malay-language daily the unhappiness had been conveyed at a state Umno meeting involving division chiefs last April

“Everyone knows that the formidable force on the east coast is Umno and PAS. PH is not a force here and does not have any support. Many among the grassroots don’t want to work for PKR and Amanah. That is what is happening now.

“Many are protesting now. Tension will rise if PKR and Amanah use their logo and want Umno to help them fly their flag. It is something difficult for them to accept,” the source was quoted as saying by the paper.

The source told the paper that PH was eyeing several Barisan Nasional (BN) seats which it had contested and lost in the last state polls.

These include Cukai, Bandar, Kemaman, Kemasik, Sura, Rantau Abang, Rhu Rendang, Alor Limbat, Batu Buruk, Manir, Buluh Gading, Kota Putera dan Jabi.

The incumbents for these seats currently are from PAS.

The source said Terengganu Umno was looking at ways to ease the grassroots unhappiness and convince it to work with PH.

PH Terengganu is said to be eyeing 12 seats in the upcoming state polls expected after June.

BN is preparing to do battle in 20 state seats, including 10 it won in the 14th state elections.

The 10 seats BN will defend are Kuala Besut, Jertih, Hulu Besut, Permaisuri, Langkap, Batu Rakit, Seberang Takir, Telemung, Bukit Besi, and  Kijal.

Other seats BN wants to contest in are Bukit Tunggal, Bukit Payung, Ladang, Wakaf Mempelam, Tepuh, Paka, Pengkalan Berangan, Air Putih, Ajil and Kuala Berang.

BN state chairman Ahmad Said said seat negotiations for the state seats are still in progress. – May 7, 2023.