BN has shortlisted four candidates for the Pelangai by-election

BENTONG - Pahang BN chairman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail reveals that four candidates have been shortlisted for the Pelangai by-election.

He said a discussion would be held with the party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi before the decision is finalised for the state seat.

"We have not made any decisions on the names chosen and it is still being refined. Insya-Allah the name of the candidate would be announced before Sept 23," he said after the Pahang Prihatin Aid (BPP) Distribution Ceremony at Felda Kemasul here on Monday.

A total of 126 public higher education institution (IPTA) students in the Pelangai State Assembly received a total of RM37,800 in aid.

When asked about the issue of the candidate being a local, Wan Rosdy described it was common in any election.

"We are searching for the best. Among the criteria is an individual who can become a 'wali' and capable of winning, liked by many," he said.

The Pelangai by-election would be held due to the death of its incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun in the tragic aircraft crash at the Guthrie Expressway near Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam on Aug 17.

The 15th general election (GE15) had Johari winning with a majority of 4,048 votes defeating the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Kasim Samat.

The Election Commission (EC) set the Pelangai by-election for Oct 7, with Sept 23rd as the nomination date and Oct 3 as the early polling date.

Meanwhile commenting on the Pahang Prihatin Aid, Wan Rosdy said the Pahang government allocated RM8 million with all recipients receiving RM300 per individual compared to RM200 last year.

"We will raise it to RM400 next year compared to RM300 this year.

"May the incentive from this government ease the daily spending and aid their education in universities. Insya-Allah," he added.

Currently around 18,000 Pahang children were continuing their education in public universities, polytechnics and community colleges throughout the nation.