Just hours after Barisan Nasional had ruled itself out of contesting in the Penanti by-election, a local businessman has put himself up for the running as an independent candidate.

Mohd Saberi Othman, 49, said his candidacy was inspired by grassroots demand in Penanti, which is his hometown.

mohd saberi othman independent candidate for penanti penang by election 190509 03 "I am local boy and have a lot of friends in Penanti. This is the main reason that motivated me to contest in this by-election," said the electoral debutant.

He claimed that he had served the armed forces as a rank and file, and was never a member of any political party and he is an "outright independent candidate".

"I am here to make friends with all and help all communities irrespective of their political beliefs, ethnic and religious backgrounds," he told a packed press conference in a hotel in Bukit Mertajam, Penang mainland.

His announcement added another potential independent candidate for the by-election.

Former PKR state women chief Aminah Abdullah has already unveiled her plan to contest as an independent candidate a month ago.

mansor othman interview 300409 01 PKR will field its state deputy leader and former academician Mansor Othman as the party candidate for the seat, vacated by former Penang Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin on April 1.

Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) has also expressed its intention to field a candidate for the seat, but yet to reveal one. Nomination is on May 23 with polling to take place on May 31.

However, the biggest surprise was Umno and Barisan Nasional's unprecedented decision not to contest the by-election. The decision was made at the BN council meeting today.

No an Umno stooge

A married Saberi, who is running a business in Kuala Lumpur, has six children and two grandchildren.

Asked on his chances to win the by-election, in which PKR is the overwhelming favourite, he said he would leave it to the wisdom of Penanti constituents.

mohd saberi othman independent candidate for penanti penang by election 190509 01 "I am offering my sincere and honest service to the people of my hometown. God willing they will vote for me," he said.

Asked whether he would withdraw at the eleventh hour from the contest, he said he would not compromise on his principles.

Instead he said he would prefer others, including Mansor, to pull out from the race and allow him to win unopposed.

"I have made up my mind to contest the by-election. I will not compromise and change my mind.

"Perhaps others can withdraw and allow me to win free," he said, refuting claims that he was sponsored by Umno or any other interested parties.

His electoral theme will be based the multi-racial concept of Malaysia and he would carry out more door-to-door campaign to woo the voters.

When asked whether it would save public time, money and energy if Mansor were allowed to win unopposed, he said: "Why should PKR be given a free ride?"