'Pelangai by-election independent candidate may garner more votes than expected' - Analyst

BENTONG - Independent candidate, Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli seems to have good chance of garnering a substantial amount of votes in the Pelangai State Legislative by-election on Oct 7.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Pahang political analyst Dr Che Hamdan Che Mohd Razali said he predicted that Haslihelmy would be able to garner protest votes from Umno.

"Usually Independent candidates will get votes from their family members, however there is a possibility of the protest votes to come through.

"The current political trend can also (give) an opportunity for independent candidates to attract support, this technically adds in more votes than what is expected," he said when contacted on Thursday.

He however did not rule put the possibility that it might be difficult for Haslihelmy to get back his deposit.

"Because I see it more as cheap personal marketing, just pay a deposit to compete, qnd get national level coverage," he said.

The Pelangai by-election will witness a three-cornered fight between Haslihelmy, Barisan Nasional candidate, Datuk Amizar Abu Adam and Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Kasim Samat.

The election is being held following the death of the seat's incumbent, Datuk Seri Johari Harun.

On Aug 17, Johari was one of the 10 people killed in a plane crash on the Guthrie Highway near Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam.

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