PSAP president runs as independent in Pelangai by-election

Focus

By NORAWAZNI YUSOF

29 Aug 2023 07:13pm

Haslihelmy displays the nomination form he purchased at the Pahang Election Comission office after making the decision to contest as an independent candidate for the Pelangai State Assembly seat.

KUANTAN - Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli, Pertubuhan Suara Anak Pahang (PSAP) president, is the first individual to offer himself as an independent candidate for the upcoming Pelangai State Assembly by-election on Oct 7.

He said the decision to contest the seat is driven by the desire to ensure that the voice of Pahang's youth is heard in the state assembly.

He emphasised that in a democratic country, anyone has the right to contest.

"Alhamdulillah, I visited the Pahang State Election Commission (EC) office today to obtain the nomination form.

"My family members in Pelangai are also supporters and endorsers of my candidature for the N36 Pelangai State Assembly seat. Greetings and solidarity," he said today.

Haslihelmy acknowledged receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback about the Pelangai State Assembly seat, as he is a native of the area.

"The community in the Pelangai has also sent a clear signal, expressing their desire for a vocal representative.

"If given the mandate by the people in the area, I will not only bring the voice of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local issues to the State Assembly," he said.

On Feb 13, Haslihelmy, 36, who has been in Umno for nearly 15 years, previously offered himself as a candidate for the position of Bentong Umno Youth Chief during the party's election.

The State Election Commission (EC) has set the Pelangai State Assembly by-election for Oct 7, with Sept 23 as the nomination day.

The by-election for the Pelangai State Assembly seat is being held following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Seri Johari Harun.

On Aug 17, Johari was among the 10 individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on the Guthrie Expressway near Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam.

In the 15th General Election (GE15), Johari won the Pelangai State Assembly seat with a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Kasim, who received 3,260 votes; Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri from Pakatan Harapan (PH) with 2,031 votes; and Isa Ahmad from Pejuang with 65 votes.