Pekan Bersatu deputy chief to contest Chini polls as independent

PEKAN: The deputy chief of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's Pekan division has stepped up to contest the Chini by-election in the absence of Pakatan Harapan.

Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, would be contesting as an independent candidate after Bersatu had announced that it was not fielding a candidate.

"This was not an easy decision for me. Many discussions were held and I considered the risks and consequences carefully before coming to the decision to contest," he told a press conference in Felda Chini 2 here on Thursday (June 18).

Tengku Zainul denied being backed by Pakatan or Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's camp, saying that he was called to action by the pleas of Chini folk.

"As an independent candidate, I am aware I cannot promise the moon and the stars to the people of Chini.

"What I have are my principles. I have the support in Chini and my voice is for the people here. I am in full spirits and am not alone," he said.

Tengku Zainul said he had not quit from Bersatu yet but was prepared to face any action from the party.

Meanwhile, Pahang Bersatu secretary Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunus Said any party members who contest as an independent would automatically be expelled.

He added that Tengku Zainul did not have the support from the Pekan division leadership to contest.