Barisan yet to decide if it will contest Kemaman by-election

PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional has yet to decide if it will contest the likely by-election for the Kemaman parliamentary seat, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Barisan chairman said neither they nor the unity government leadership council had made any decision on the matter.

"We will make an announcement later," he said.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the Halal Industry Development Council meeting on Tuesday (Oct 3), Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister said that although the party which won the seat in GE15 might have an upper hand, it would be good for Barisan to "test the waters."

"It will be good if we can bring down their majority," he said.

On Sept 26, the Kuala Terengganu Election Court annulled the victory of Kemaman MP Che Alias Hamid from PAS in GE15.

Judge Anselm Charles Fernandis had ruled in favour of the petitioner, Wan Hisham Wan Abdul Jalil, saying that Wan Hisham had proven allegations of bribery by Che Alias beyond reasonable doubt.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan on Tuesday said they would not appeal the court's decision.

"Accordingly, PAS will wait and is prepared to take further steps based on the decision to be made by the EC," he said.

In GE15, Che Alias had won the Kemaman seat in a four-cornered fight with a 27,179-vote majority.