There is a noble reason behind businessman Azharudin Mamat @ Adam's decision to contest in the Jan 17 Kuala Terengganu by-election.

He is prompted by his wish to help the poor people of Kuala Terengganu.

kuala terengganu by election nomination day 060109 independent candidate azharudin 1 "I want to help the poor. Once elected, I can use the MP's allowance to help these people regardless of race or party," he told Malaysiakini after his nomination was accepted this morning.

His task to win will not be an easy one as he will be up against representatives from two giants - Barisan Nasional and PAS - who could afford to spend more than him.

The 46-year-old father of nine children has only allocated himself RM15,000 for campaigning purposes.

He also said that he was not financed by any parties to contest in the by-election.

"I am self-funded and I am doing this on my own," he said.

He will be pitted against BN's Wan Ahmad Farid and PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut in the by-election. And he will have to endure a gruelling 11-day campaign period from today until the by-election is held.

But first Azharudin will have to ensure that he will get about 10,000 votes, or one-eight (12.5 percent) of the total number of votes polled, to reclaim his RM10,000 deposit.

The by-election was necessitated by the sudden death of incumbent BN representative Razali Ismail on Nov 28.

Book as campaign symbol

Azharudin, who is also a medicine man here, will be using a book as his symbol.

He also added that it was his right to contest in the polls, a first for him.

"I am not here to split the votes. I want to win the contest," he said.

kuala terengganu by election 060109 azharudin mamat In the March general election, the Kuala Terengganu seat also saw a three-cornered fight involving Razali, PAS' Mohamad Sabu and independent candidate Maimun Yusuf. PAS later claimed that it lost the seat as a result of Maimun splitting the votes.

Azharudin also said that CDs would play a major role in his campaigns, adding that he would also use a lorry to travel about for his "mobile" campaigns.

He added that he has no online presence - no blogs or websites - and will be relying on direct communications with his voters.

Akim to take action against Harun

kuala terengganu by election nomination day 060109 akim candidate harun Meanwhile, another twist at the nomination this morning was the decision by Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) candidate Harun Alias Ab Rahman Mohamad ( photo ) to withdraw from contesting in the polls.

He then went on to declare his support for PAS.

He now faces action from his party for his actions. Akim president Hanafi Hamat was reported by Bernama that Harun Alias has betrayed the party with his actions.

"Harun Alias has disappointed the party with his actions," he told reporters in Kuala Terengganu.

Harun Alias, who had entered the nomination centre to file his nomination papers, shocked his party members and supporters by announcing his withdrawal without giving any specific reason.

najib on kuala terengganu by election 060109 01 "We did not name a second candidate as we wanted to avoid a rift in the party and decided that Harun Alias be given a chance to contest in the by-election, but his last-minute withdrawal is highly unacceptable," said Hanafi.

He added that the party will convene an emergency meeting to discuss the action to be taken against Harun Alias.

Hanafi appealed to Akim supporters to remain calm and allow the party to resolve the issue.