COMMENT | First there was DAP’s Kuala Kubu Baharu, and then there was PKR’s Sungai Bakap. Now it is Umno’s turn to test its electoral mettle as part of the Madani government.

It will be a tough fight for Malaysia’s grand old party in this competitive rural Kelantan constituency.

The last time Umno faced an electoral contest was in December last year in Kemaman. It lost badly. Besides this contest, Umno has had three by-elections since the 15th general election – Pelangai last October, Kuala Terengganu in August last year and Tioman in December 2022.

It has won the seats in Pahang and lost those in Terengganu. It did particularly well in Pelangai where the...