Pahang Bersatu most likely sitting out of Chini by-election, in favour of BN

KUANTAN: Pahang Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia is expecting to sit out of contesting the Chini by-election.

Its secretary Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunus said they would be supporting Barisan Nasional instead as part of Perikatan Nasional.

"We have yet to discuss this with our Perikatan partners, but as precedent goes, Bersatu did not contest the Chini seat in the last general election.

"It was PKR at that time that challenged the Umno candidate, who defended Chini. Since we are in Perikatan now, we will of course be backing Barisan," he said when contacted Friday (May 5).

The Chini by-election was triggered after the death of incumbent assemblyman Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun on May 6.

In GE14, Abu Bakar obtained 10,027 votes against Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim of PAS (5,405) and Mohamad Razali Ithnain of PKR (1,065 votes).

Mohd Yazid also warned that any Bersatu members who support Pakatan Harapan in this by-election would automatically be expelled from the party.

"This goes for any members who carry banners for Pakatan or assist in their campaigning. Our party constitution is very clear on that," he said.

Pakatan had stated its intent not to let Barisan walk away with an easy victory.

Pahang PAS, meanwhile, would not be fielding a candidate in favour of supporting Barisan in the by-election.

The Election Commission has fixed nomination day on June 20, with polling on July 4.