GE15: Zahidi fields himself to contest as an independent for Padang Besar

KANGAR: A second incumbent MP from Umno who was dropped is going to the polls as an independent candidate.

Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin fielded himself to defend his seat in Padang Besar, the northernmost parliamentary constituency bordering Thailand.

He is now also a candidate for the Titi Tinggi state seat as an independent, pitting himself against five others including incumbent assemblyman Teh Chai Aan from MCA.

For his Padang Besar seat, he faces four others from Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Warisan.

Zahidi was Padang Besar MP for two terms in 2013 and was deputy communications and multimedia minister before the dissolution of Parliament.

He was dropped from the Barisan Nasional candidates list along with incumbent Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

Both were highly critical of the decision.

Zahidi had earlier said he would contest but did not give details, while Shahidan was contesting on a Perikatan ticket.