A former UKM administrative officer has been handpicked as BN’s candidate for the coming Semenyih by-election, while PH today announced 30-year old Muhammad Aiman Zainali as its candidate.
Local boy Zakaria Hanafi, 58, is an Umno ordinary member and was chosen from the six shortlisted candidates submitted by Hulu Langat Umno division.
In announcing the candidate, Barisan Nasional (BN) acting chairperson Mohamad Hasan urged voters to make the Semenyih by-election a referendum for their unhappiness with the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
The by-election is being held following the death of Bakhtiar Mohd Nor, who defeated candidates from BN, PAS and PSM in a four-cornered fight in the May 9 general election.
He won with a majority of 8,964, garnering a total of 23,428 votes.
This time around, BN and PAS have formed an unofficial alliance while PSM is also contesting the seat.
Yesterday, PSM named 25-year-old Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul as its candidate for the by-election.
Kuan Chee Heng, known as “Uncle Kentang” or “10 sen man”, may also join the contest as an independent.
Meanwhile, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin announced the Hulu Langat Bersatu treasurer as the candidate in a ceremony at Taman Pelangi, Semenyih.
Several Harapan leaders were present, including Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir and Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya.
Aiman is the late Bakhtiar’s son-in-law.
Nomination day for the Semenyih by-election is Saturday (Feb 16) while early voting will be on Feb 26, followed by polling day on March 2.