SEREMBAN: The wife and son of Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, both of whom have been named as Barisan Nasional candidates in the state election, are unfazed by criticism following the on-going court case involving the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar.
Puan Sri Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid and Mohd Najib said, while Isa's popularity may provide them the upper hand in the polls, they are only relying on their services to the people in their bid to help BN to win the election.
Bibi Sharliza, who is Negri Sembilan Wanita Umno chief, is BN candidate for the Juasseh state seat.
The coalition is fielding Najib, who is also the Port Dickson Umno division deputy chief, as its candidate for the Bagan Pinang seat.
"I was not picked to contest at the state seat because of my husband but my strength and track record servicing the people in my capacity as state Wanita Umno chief.
"Furthermore, the court case involves (Isa) and not me.
"I do not think such a situation (Isa's on-going court case) will affect my campaign for the state election. I am the one contesting in the polls, and not (my husband)," she told reporters after attending the handing over ceremony of watikah (appointment letters) to Negri Sembilan BN candidates.
Bibi Sharliza is expected to slug it out against Datuk Eddin Syazlee Shith of Perikatan Nasional for the Juasseh state seat.
Eddin Syazlee had previously served as deputy minister in the works ministry, communications and multimedia ministry and in the prime minister's department.
"If you want to campaign, do not resort to making personal attacks. I too have something that I can say against you.
"However, I refused to do so. All I want to focus on now is tell the constituents in Juasseh of my vision to improve their welfare and livelihood," said Bibi Sharliza.
As for Najib, he said he has no control of the court case involving his father.
However, he believes that voters in the state are wise enough to decide who can provide the best services to the people.
"I do not want to speak on the matter (the court case) since we have laws and legal systems to which we have to adhere.
"Having said that, I believe that voters have become more mature when making decisions on who is capable of championing their rights and woes.
"With the blessings of Allah, I believe that the people in the state will choose BN," he said.
Najib added that his father's popularity was not a ticket to guarantee his victory in the polls.
"Of course, people know who I am and who is my father.
"But I am banking on my track record of providing my services to the people in my capacity as Umno member.
"And, I will not rely on any advantage I have for the polls. I will still work hard, go to the ground and meet as many people as I can to share with them my visions and dreams for Bagan Pinang," he said.
PN has named Abdul Fatah Zakaria of Pas as its candidate for the Bagan Pinang seat.
Bibi Sharliza and Najib are among 17 BN candidates who will be contesting in the state.
There are a total 36 seats in Negri Sembilan up for grabs in the Aug 12 state election.