Mohd Sharim named BN candidate

PEKAN: Pekan Umno division committee member Mohd Sharim Md Zain has been named Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Chini state by-election.

The announcement was made by Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at the Pekan Umno office here yesterday.

He said the 41-year-old secondgeneration Felda settler was the right choice as he was a “local boy” who was familiar and close with the leadership of the late assemblyman Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun, who died on May 6 from a heart attack.

Wan Rosdy, who is also the Pahang Barisan chairman, said Pahang Barisan had scrutinised the choice of candidates to ensure they adhered to the criteria set by the party leadership, Bernama reported.

“Besides having worked closely with Abu Bakar, Mohd Sharim was chosen because he knows the community here well, ” he added.

He said Barisan’s election machinery was ready to take on any other candidates contesting for the seat.

Mohd Sharim thanked the party leadership for having confidence in him.

The contestants: Mohd Sharim (left) and Tengku Zainul. — Bernama

Meanwhile, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Pekan division deputy chief Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, will be contesting as an independent candidate as the party had announced they would not field anyone for the by-election.

“It’s not an easy decision for me. I held many discussions and considered the risks and consequences before making the decision to contest in the by-election.”

He said he joined Bersatu to fight kleptocrats and those corrupt and when he was asked to support Barisan’s candidate for this by-election, it was against his principle.

The businessman denied he was backed by Pakatan Harapan or Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s camp, saying that his decision to stand in the polls was a request made by Chini residents.

“I am not being supported or pressured by other parties. I am doing this on my own initiative after listening to the community’s grouses, ” he said.

He said that as an independent candidate, he was prepared to accept assistance from other parties provided they were sincere in assisting the Chini residents and not making empty promises.

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

Pahang Bersatu secretary Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunus said any member who contested as an independent candidate would automatically be expelled.

He said Tengku Zainul had no support from the Pekan division to contest.

“However, we shall wait until nomination day tomorrow (Saturday) and see if he will contest, ” said Mohd Yazid.