PD POLLS | Former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Mohd Isa Abdul Samad has confirmed he will contest as an independent in the Port Dickson by-election on Oct 13.

The former Felda chairperson said he made the decision after Umno and BN announced they would not contest the parliamentary seat.

"I will hold a press conference soon, maybe tomorrow, regarding my decision to contest as an independent.

"Sorry, this is only what I can reveal for now. Tomorrow, I will make an official announcement," Mohd Isa, who is also the former Teluk Kemang Umno division chief, was quoted saying by Berita Harian.

Mohd Isa was made to resign as the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) acting chairperson after Pakatan Harapan took over Putrajaya following the 14th general election.

Prior to leading Spad, he was the Felda Global Ventures chairperson but resigned following a MACC investigation into the purchase of two hotels by the Felda Investment Corporation (FIC).

He was later investigated by MACC in connection with the purchase of the two hotels by FIC.

Mohd Isa's stint in Umno had also been riddled with corruption allegations. He won the party's vice-presidency with the highest number of votes in 2005 but the victory was later cancelled due to charges of money politics.

He, however, made a political comeback after contesting as the BN candidate in the Bagan Pinang state seat by-election in 2009. The seat falls under the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency.

Isa had also served as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar from 1982 to 2004 and as the Teluk Kemang Umno division chief from 1978 to 2017.

The Port Dickson parliamentary seat fell vacant after its MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah resigned to pave way for PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim to contest there in order to return to Parliament.

Danyal won the seat with a 17,710-vote majority against the BN and PAS candidates in the 14th general election.