BN may field direct candidate in Kemaman by-election: Zahid

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hinted that the party may field a direct candidate in the Kemaman parliamentary by-election scheduled to be held on Dec 2.

According to the Umno president, BN used the same method in previous elections where candidates were chosen without regard to the hierarchy of positions within the party, which was well received.

“We will likely use the same method in this Kemaman (by-election), Insya-Allah,” he commented briefly when met by reporters after officiating the Kedah Umno political bureau retreat today.

The candidate is expected to be announced on Monday in Kuala Lumpur.

The Kemaman by-election is being called following the Terengganu Election Court’s ruling on Sept 26, which nullified the victory of Perikatan Nasional candidate Che Alias Hamid in GE15 after the petitioner successfully proved elements of corruption during the campaign period.

Nomination day for the polls will be on Nov 18 while early voting is on Nov 28.

Zahid said what is important is not only victory for the by-election, but that at least the majority of the votes of political opponents can be reduced.

“That is an indication of the success which we will start in Kemaman,” he said.

Prepping for GE16

In the meantime, Zahid said he is committed to realising the resolutions reached at Saturday's retreat, which was attended by committee members from the Kedah Umno political bureau.

“I believe we have 36 months from now to prepare for GE16. Although it may be a bit too early, we must take some actions, especially in unifying the leadership's thinking at the state, division and branch levels.

“This step, Insya-Allah, will be followed by other states, and some methods for the organisational structure at the election machinery level will also be revamped. We will start this in the Kemaman by-election,” he added.

Ahmad Said sits out Kemaman by-election

GPS retains Jepak with over 8,000 majority

Over 22k voters to elect new Jepak assemblyperson

Govt welcomes reports on abuse of state resources during polls

Muda raised RM1.12m for six state elections - Syed Saddiq

LETTER | Upholding ‘one person, one vote, one value’ principle