By-election: Haslihelmy contesting solo to protest against BN’s recycled candidate

BENTONG - The Pahang Children's Voice Organisation (PSAP) president Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli is contesting as an Independent candidate in Pelangai by-election as a protest against Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam.

He said that the action was taken as Bentong Umno leadership had nominated a recycled candidate.

He claimed that the candidate from BN was one who was easily 'pulled by the ear' by the leadership.

"Yes, (I am contesting more to) protest the leadership's decision of putting the candidate (Amizar) instead of Datuk Seri Mohamad Zaini Salleh (Bentong acting Umno chief).

"I never thought of getting to this level (contesting), but I am sad and upset, I have been with Umno since 2008, but when I saw Umno not raising the voice of Pelangai folks who wanted Mohd Zaini and he is qualified," he at Dewan Orang Ramai Felda Kemasul compound after the nomination today.

He claimed that BN leadership did not listen to the voice of the grassroots who had rejected their candidate.

"He (Amizar) was rejected because he had lost when competing at the divisional level, and Umno still placed a candidate who had been rejected. Why?" he questioned.

In regard to the campaign, Haslihelmy said that a strategy had been put together including a door-to-door approach.

He was confident that his involvement in this three-cornered competition was not only able to split votes but even win big.

"I am here today. I am confident and God willing, I will win," Haslihelmy, who used a car logo said.

Pelangai by-election witnessed a three-cornered clash as Haslihelmy would face two other candidates namely Amizar and Kasim Samat from Perikatan Nasional (PN).

The poll would be held following the death of the incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun.

On Aug 17, Johari was one of 10 victims who were killed in a plane crash on Guthrie Highway in Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam.

In GE15, Johari won the seat with a majority of 4,048 votes defeating PN candidate Kasim Samat who gained 3,260 votes, Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri from Pakatan Harapan (2,031 votes) and Isa Ahmad from Pejuang (65 votes).