Local PKR committee member Shahruddin Abdul Hamid today quit the party to contest in the Oct 11 Bagan Pinang by-election as an independent candidate.

shahruddin abdul hamid He told Malaysiakini that his decision was due to mounting pressure from various quarters since announcing his intention to vie for the state seat.

"I have come under a lot of pressure. (PKR chief and Opposition Leader) Anwar Ibrahim also does not like it (his intention to contest).

"Wherever I went, I was accosted by people, so I resigned," he said.

Shahruddin also said he will not be submitting a formal resignation letter as he feels that it is sufficient to announce his decision via the media.

"I only told YB M Ravi (PKR's Port Dickson state representative) and he said, 'Okay'," he added.

Door-to-door visits

azlan As for his chances, Shahruddin said he will able to at least get 20 percent of the votes, despite a low-key campaign due to lack of funds.

"Those who dislike the other two candidates will vote for me. Another 10 percent of votes will come from the fence sitters," he added.

On his campaign, the 52-year-old businessman said he will focus on door-to-door visits.

"I only have a small machinery. I plan to only hold two ceramah."

The former Umno member of 25 years is also deliberating on whether to use the 'key', 'umbrella' or 'computer' as his logo.

On Sept 14, Shahruddin offered to contest as an independent, saying that he wanted to uplift the tourism industry in the coastal town.

The other two candidates in the race are Barisan Nasional's Mohd Isa Samad and PAS state commissioner Zulkefly Mohd Omar.

Nomination day is tomorrow and polling is on Oct 11.