Slim by-election to see three-cornered fight
SLIM POLLS | The Election Commission (EC) has announced three contenders or the Slim by-election after the nomination process ended at 10am today.
Representing BN is acting Tanjung Malim Umno chief Mohd Zaidi Aziz...
SLIM POLLS | The Election Commission (EC) has announced three contenders for the Slim by-election after the nomination process ended at 10am today.
Representing BN is acting Tanjung Malim Umno chief Mohd Zaidi Aziz.
After a draw, he will appear as the second candidate on the ballot paper.
He was proposed by Tanjung Malim PAS chief Mohd Tarmizi Ab Rahman and seconded by Tanjung Malim MIC secretary Mahendrean Govindan.
Mohd Zaidi's main challenger is syarie lawyer Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi, who is aligned to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's upcoming Pejuang party, a Bersatu splinter.
However, as the party is not yet registered, Amir Khusyairi is contesting as an independent candidate using the "tree" logo. He will appear as the first candidate on the ballot.
The other independent candidate is Santharasekaran Subramaniam, an academic, who will use the "book" logo.
There were two other aspiring independent candidates, but they were unable to submit their nomination papers in time.
Not taking Khusyairi lightly
Speaking to reporters after the nominations ended, Mohd Zaidi said that he would not take his rival Amir Khusairi lightly.
"He is a challenge for us because he is with former premier Dr Mahathir (Mohamad).
"And we are aware that they (Pejuang) have their strengths and advantages. We will not take them lightly," he said.
Reiterating the cooperation within Perikatan National, Mohd Zaidi said he had met Perak MB Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
"They have expressed their willingness to work with us in terms of deploying the (election) machinery," he said.
Meanwhile, Amir Khusairi urged voters to choose a candidate who is young, has credibility, and is able to give the best service to residents.
"At the same time, we want to bring good values such as fighting corruption and other immoral conducts," he said.
Amir Khusairi added that his nomination in the contest is the first step in his journey to right the wrongs.
"I believe that there's a lot to be corrected concerning the political landscape.
"I believe this is the first step where we hope to correct the wrongs. The (current immoral) culture needs to be cleaned," he said.
Santharasekaran, on the other hand, claimed that he is not here to split the votes.
"This is my dream to join politics when I reach the age of 45. (It is) not to split the votes.
"My focus is on education, and I am also an environmentalist.
"Environment is very important. We don't want an intelligent person who neglects the environment," he said.
The nomination process took place at Dewan Sri Tanjung, a hall within the Tanjung Malim municipal council complex in Slim River town, Perak. It is located around 3km away from the Tanjung Malim toll to the North-South Expressway.
Unlike past by-elections, hardly any supporters gathered to support their candidate due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some 50 police personnel in face masks have gathered since 6am.
While the government has eased Covid-19 restrictions since late April, a ban on mass gatherings is still in place.
Related reports:
Bersatu Youth booed at BN event, told to prove their worth to Umno's Slim candidate
Slim showdown: A guide to the personalities and issues in the fray
'Credibility trumps’ - Pejuang man responds to Umno playing 'local' card
Umno plays 'government, local' cards in first salvo against Pejuang's candidate
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