BENTONG: The Umno membership of Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli was automatically revoked for contesting the Pelangai by-election as an independent candidate, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“He is contesting as an Independent candidate, his membership in Umno was automatically revoked today,“ the Umno President told reporters at the nomination centre at the Dewan Orang Ramai Felda Kemasul here.
Haslihelmy was previously quoted as saying that he was willing to be sacked for running as an independent candidate.
He will be facing Bentong Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Kasim Samat in a three-cornered fight.
The seat fell vacant after Barisan’s Datuk Seri Johari Harun’s death in August.
Johari was killed in a plane crash in Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam, on Aug 17, leaving his seat vacant, thus triggering a by-election.
