BENTONG: The upcoming Pelangai by-election on October 7 will witness a three-cornered battle involving Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional, and an Independent candidate.
Representing Barisan, Bentong Umno division committee member Datuk Amizar Abu Adam will contest the seat, while Bentong PAS deputy chief Kasim Samat will represent Perikatan. An Independent candidate by the name of Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli, who will be symbolized by a car, will also participate. The announcement was made by returning officer Datuk Mohammad Shahid Ismail yesterday morning at 10:16 am at the Felda Kemasul community hall nomination center, as reported by Bernama.
Mohammad Shahid disclosed that Amizar, aged 50, alongside a proposer and seconder, submitted his nomination papers at 9:01 am. Kasim, aged 63, followed one minute later, and Haslihelmy, aged 36, submitted his papers at 9:08 am.
The Election Commission has scheduled a 14-day campaign period commencing from yesterday until 11:59 pm on October 6, with early voting to take place on October 3.
A total of 16,456 eligible voters, including 36 police personnel and three overseas postal voters, will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in the upcoming by-election.
Earlier, Amizar arrived at the nomination center accompanied by his supporters and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Pahang Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong were also present.
Kasim, who previously contested for the seat, arrived with PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Perikatan election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, and Pahang Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.
The Pelangai by-election is the first by-election in Pahang after the 15th General Election (GE15) and was necessitated by the untimely demise of the incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun. The late Johari, aged 53, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in the Elmina township on August 17.
In GE15, Johari, representing Barisan, triumphed by a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating Kasim, Ahmed Wafiuddin of Pakatan Harapan, and Pejuang candidate Isa Ahmad.
Currently, Barisan controls 16 out of the 42 seats in the Pahang assembly while Pakatan holds eight, granting them governance of the state. Perikatan has a total of 17 seats.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
