Barisan ready to contest Kemaman if by-election called, says Zahid

BENTONG: Barisan Nasional (BN) is prepared to participate in the Kemaman parliamentary by-election if it is held, following the nullification of PAS candidate Che Alias Hamid’s victory in the 15th General Election (GE15) by the Election Court.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that despite their significant loss in GE15, there remains a chance for BN to surprise everyone.

“Even if we are the underdogs in the current situation, we are ready to challenge. We have confidence that the people and voters will make the right choice and support BN once again,” he told reporters after inaugurating the MyFutureJobs Career Carnival at Felda Chemomoi on Saturday (Sept 30).

The Terengganu Election Court nullified Che Alias’s victory on Sept 26, with Judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis stating that the petitioner, Wan Mohamad Hisham Wan Abdul Jalil, succeeded in proving that corruption had occurred with the intention of influencing voters in GE15.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan stated that a decision regarding whether or not to appeal the court’s decision will be made after studying the grounds of judgment for the case.

In the November 2022 GE15, Che Alias won the Kemaman parliamentary seat with a majority of 27,179 votes. He received 65,714 votes, defeating BN’s Datuk Seri Ahmad Said (38,535 votes), Pakatan Harapan’s Hasuni Sudin (8,340 votes), and Pejuang’s Rosli Ab. Ghani (506 votes).

When asked if former Terengganu mentri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said will be fielded again in the parliamentary constituency, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, stated that the matter has not yet been discussed.

Meanwhile, in regards to the Pelangai state by-election, Ahmad Zahid is confident that BN can retain the seat.

“However, we must continue to strive because we know the Opposition will do their best to deny us the support of the people in Pelangai. I am confident that voters in Pelangai are very close to BN and will choose a representative who can provide uninterrupted service,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid believes that an assemblyman who shares the same goals as the state and the country will undoubtedly provide the best service for the people of Pelangai.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Oct 7 as the date for the Pelangai by-election following the death of the incumbent assemblyman, Datuk Seri Johari Harun, who died in a plane crash in Shah Alam, Selangor on Aug 17.

The by-election will be contested by three candidates: BN candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, Kasim Samat of PN, and Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasni. – Bernama