CHINI POLLS | Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has announced his personal support for independent candidate Tengku Zainul Hisham Hussin in the July 4 polls.

In a video message to Chini voters, he said Tengku Zainul (above), whose Bersatu membership was nullified following his move to contest as an independent, is the best candidate in the three-way contest.

"Bersatu did not field a candidate but I personally support this candidate to contest and I hope voters in Chini will give him victory," said Mahathir who, along with four others, have filed a legal challenge against their terminations from the party. 

In his video message, Mahathir also urged Chini voters to not be swayed by any inducements, cautioning that it could result in problems.

Bersatu is currently split between members aligned to Mahathir and party president Muhyiddin Yassin, with orders from the prime minister's faction issued by Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin.

In a separate statement today, Hamzah reiterated that Tengku Zainul's move to contest without the party's authorisation has led to automatic termination of his membership status.

"Therefore any statement or action by Tengku Zainul does not represent Bersatu," he said.

Tengku Zainul, who previously held the post of Pekan Bersatu deputy division chief, is going up against BN's Mohd Sharim Md Zain and independent candidate Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli.

The by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Abu Bakar Harun from Umno on May 6 after a heart attack.

In the last general election, Bakar defeated PAS’ Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim and PKR’s Mohamad Razali Ithnain by a 4,622-vote majority.