Shukri denies he is a Barisan agent

KUANTAN: After denying that he is a PKR proxy, independent candidate Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli (pic) says he is now fending off accusations that he has been bought by Barisan Nasional.

The blogger claimed there were accusations from certain people in Pakatan Harapan that he was being paid to split the votes in the by-election.

“How can that be? I was the first to announce my intention to contest and I have proven it by actually being in the by-election.

“I have also raised issues of housing, environment, Felda settlers and water supply, which all affect the reputation of Barisan. So it is impossible I am being paid by Barisan.

“This is a desperate accusation, ” he said.

Contesting under the “key” symbol, Mohd Shukri said he was proud of being the only contender not supported by any national leader.

“The Barisan candidate is supported by Datuk Seri Najib Razak while the other independent candidate has Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s backing.

“Whereas I am contesting on my own effort and energy with only the people’s prayers and hope.

“This is rarely done by any Malaysian, having to face candidates supported by two former prime ministers, ” he said.

Mohd Shukri is standing against Barisan’s Mohd Sharim Md Zain and independent candidate Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin in the by-election.

Mohd Shukri also said that he would change the concept of favouritism if he was given the mandate to become the Chini assemblyman.

“I will be with all the people regardless of their political affiliation. Because for me, I will be the people’s representative and not the representative of a political party.

“Furthermore, I am competing as an independent so it will be easier for me to take on the responsibility of defending all, ” Mohd Shukri said, adding that he had been coordinating the Angkatan Pembela Rakyat NGO for 10 years.