AMPANG: Haslinda Mohd Zerain may be a novice but the Barisan Nasional candidate is ready to lock horns with PKR's Mohamed Azmin Ali for the Bukit Antarabangsa state seat.

The former Affin Holdings strategic business head - who holds a master's in business, a degree in law and a Syariah law diploma - believes she can make a difference under BN's manifesto of unity, development and racial harmony.

"I'll do my best for my community in Bukit Antarabangsa," said the 34-year-old Ampang Puteri Umno chief.

Haslinda has been in politics since Puteri Umno was formed seven years ago.

"I'm a novice. I lack experience and you can't satisfy everybody but I'm confident I can eclipse even the last election's majority for BN here."
The seat was won by Azman Wahid (now contesting the Ampang parliamentary seat) in 2004 by a majority of 7,871 votes against then-Keadilan's Zahir Hassan.

Meanwhile, first-timer Khasim Abdul Aziz, 46, from Pas will be up against BN incumbent Datuk Ismail Kijo, 56, for the Lembah Jaya state seat.

This is Ismail's fourth run in the general election. In 2004, he won by a majority of 17,092 votes against Wan Hasrina Wan Hassan of Pas.

PKR's Zuraida Kamarudin, who gave up her Singaporean citizenship to be a Malaysian 25 years ago, will face ex-teacher Azman, 46, for the Ampang parliamentary seat.