ROMPIN: Umno will field a candidate who meets the ''WALI'' criteria - Winnable, Acceptable, and Likeable - for the Ayer Kuning state by-election, said party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said he would need to discuss the matter with Perak Umno chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and the Tapah Umno division leadership to identify potential candidates. “We will give opportunities to all groups and shortlist the potential candidates.” he told at a press conference after ofifcially opening the Felcra Berhad Closed-System Broiler Farm Complex here yesterday. He was responding to a question regarding Umno Youth''s statement that it has potential candidates and does not rule out the possibility of lobbying for the Ayer Kuning seat. The seat fell vacant following the death of its assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin last Saturday. Ishsam, 59, died of a heart attack after participating in a fourcornered football championship at City Stadium in Penang On Monday, Saarani said State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid had been ofifcially notified of the seat vacancy. - Bernama.