Tengku Zainul maintains he is unaffiliated with any political party

Chini by-election independent candidate Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin maintains that he is unaffiliated with any party even as he receives endorsement from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Tengku Zainul, 64, confirmed receiving a notice from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia informing him that his membership in the party had been terminated over his contesting in the by-election as an independent.

The former Pekan Bersatu division deputy chief said being expelled from Bersatu proved that he was truly independent.

“I am not surprised and expected this to happen. As I have mentioned, I held discussions for several weeks with the division committee, branch chiefs, some members, friends and family.

“These discussions also weighed the consequences and risks of contesting. After evaluating all views, only then did I decide to stand as an independent candidate,” said Tengku Zainul.

However, he said he would not stop anyone from helping in his campaign.

“I am contesting to win. This is to realise my wish to uplift the voice of the Chini community. I want the government to listen to the worries and complaints of the people, who are increasingly burdened by high costs of living,” he said.

Dr Mahathir had expressed support for Tengku Zainul in a video circulated on social media on Tuesday.

Tengku Zainul said he had never met Dr Mahathir but felt proud to receive support from a statesman.

Meanwhile, Pekan Umno division chief Datuk Seri Najib Razak said at least they now knew who the independent candidate was representing.

“When is PM7 coming to Chini to campaign?” he asked in a Facebook post.

Tengku Zainul is up against Barisan Nasional’s Mohd Sharim Md Zain, 41, and another independent candidate Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli, 49.