11 interested to contest for Umno in Gerik by-election

IPOH: A total of 11 individuals has expressed their interest to be Umno candidates representing the Barisan Nasional in the Gerik parliamentary by-election (PRK) slated next month, said Perak Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Saarani Mohamad.

Saarani, who is also the new Menteri Besar of Perak, said interested individuals had until 5 pm yesterday to submit their profiles to the Perak Umno executive secretary.

“Those who are interested can send their details either via email or in printed form. All names will then be brought to the meeting of the management committee before being finalised by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi,” he told a press conference after chairing his first executive council meeting following his swearing-in as Perak Menteri Besar on December 10.

The Perak Barisan Nasional chairman said they must be ready to accept the decision if they were not selected to contest in the upcoming by-election.

Saarani said the candidate introduction ceremony would be held one week prior to the nomination day set on January 4 by the Election Commission.

The Gerik by-election has been set for January 16 following the death of its incumbent Datuk Hasbullah Osman on November 16 due to a heart attack.

In the 13th General Election (GE13), Hasbullah defeated Norhayati Kasim from PAS with a majority of 6,216 votes.

He defended the seat in GE14 with a majority of 5,528 votes defeating PAS’ Mohd Dahalan Ismail and Bersatu’s Ibrahim Mohd Hanafiah. - Bernama