Rani Kulup announces he will contest Gombak Setia state seat

KUALA LUMPUR - Activist Abdul Rani Kulup Abdullah has announced ahead of time that he will be contesting the Gombak Setia state seat in the coming Selangor state elections.

The 69-year old, known for having made a record number of police reports over community matters, said Gombak Setia, currently represented by Perikatan Nasional's Hilman Idham, was the most suitable constituency for him to contest as it is where he lives.

"In the last general elections I offered myself for the Port Dickson parliamentary seat, but unfortunately I didn't get enough votes," said the Armed Forces veteran.

"So, after thinking it through, I decided that I should be contesting in my home constituency and I feel I am ready to announce that now."

He said although he may contest as an independent candidate, he was open to political parties who feel he is a suitable candidate to represent them.

"I do not have any preference and I am not a member of any political party at the moment but if there are political parties who feel that they can work with me, I am open to discussions.

“I'm also ready to contest as an independent," said Abdul Rani, when met at the 2022 Umno General Assembly (PAU) today.

Asked what inspired his decision to contest again so soon after a heavy defeat in the race for the Port Dickson parliamentary seat, Abdul Rani said he felt the people wanted change.

"I think if you look around at the way politics is being played, I think the people are getting fed up. They want something different, so maybe I can be that difference," he said.