Kemaman by-election: BN placing candidate despite dim potential

PUTRAJAYA - Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hinted that he will field a candidate in the Kemaman by-election following Pas' refusal to submit an appeal against the decision of Kuala Terengganu Election Court, which annulled the victory of Che Alias Hamid.

Despite a narrow hope of winning, Zahid said that BN as a dignified party, would try their luck to reduce the majority previously obtained by Pas.

"The majority obtained by the former Member of Parliament previously was over 27,000. Despite its dim potential, even reducing the majority is good enough as a dignified party," he said at a press conference after chairing the Halal Industry Development Council meeting yesterday.

He said an official announcement regarding the matter would be made.

The court annulled Alias' victory in the 15th General Election (GE15) on Sept 26 after verifying an election petition submitted by Kemaman Parliament voter Wan Mohamad Hisham Wan Abdul Jalil.

Alias won the seat with 65,714 votes defeating three other candidates namely Datuk Seri Ahmad Said from BN who gained 38,535 votes, Hasuni Sudin (Pakatan Harapan - 8,340 votes) and Rosli Ab Ghani (Pejuang - 506 votes).

Alias managed to defend the seat for a second term with a majority of 27,179 votes.

Earlier, Pas decided not to file any appeal against the results of the election petition.

Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said that Pas was waiting and preparing to take the next step.