PKR member decides to run as independent in Bagan Pinang polls
(The Star) – The Bagan Pinang by-election is likely to see a three-cornered fight, following the decision by Teluk Kemang PKR division committee member Shahrudin Abdul Hamid to contest as an independent.
Shahrudin, 52, who stated his intention to contest, claimed that he had enough support to win.
“I am prepared to quit PKR if that is what it takes to contest,” he said.
He will be facing Barisan Nasional’s Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad and PAS’s Zulkefly Mohamad Omar in the by-election slated for Oct 11.
Shahrudin said that although he had been asked by his party leaders not to contest, he would not budge from his decision.
“My agenda is to ensure a better life for the constituents of Bagan Pinang and the progress of Port Dickson.
“I am not going to give in simply because I have been told not to spoil the Opposition’s chances of winning,” he added.
Shahrudin, who hails from Bagan Pinang, said that in a democratic system, anyone should be allowed to contest.
“I have my own supporters and we need to change the way of practising politics. This will be healthy for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Elections Commission announced that only political parties contesting in the by-election were allowed to put up party flags, logos or pictures of their leaders during the campaign period.
“We hope political parties not contesting will not put up their posters or buntings,” Commission deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar told reporters at a briefing for election workers here.
He added that Barisan was a registered coalition of 14 component parties but the Opposition was not a formal coalition.
Wan Ahmad said leaders from political parties not contesting the by-election would be allowed to give ceramah if they had the necessary permits.
He also said 277 election workers would be involved in the by-election.
