SLIM POLLS | The credibility of a candidate is more important than whether one is a local or not, says the independent candidate who represents the Pejuang party for the Slim by-election.
Syariah lawyer Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi said this today in addressing the issue played by Umno, whose candidate is up against him in the run for the Perak state assembly seat.
His place of origin had become a subject that was targeted by Perikatan Nasional in its campaign drive as Amir is not a Slim local but came from nearby Teluk Intan.
"It is true that I am not a voter here. (But) the issue of where one is from is not important. What is more important is the credibility of a candidate.
"For now, I believe what is more important for me is to get the voters in Slim to choose a person who has credibility (to represent them).
"Secondly, they should choose a young candidate who can offer his best service to the voters in Slim constituency," Amir told reporters after the Election Commission announced the list of eligible candidates for the by-election at Dewan Seri Tanjung in Tanjung Malim this morning.
A law graduate from the International Islamic University Malaysia, the Teluk Intan lad came from a religious background as his parents used to work as religious teachers. His late father was also the district's vice-qadi (Muslim judge).
Amir was recently announced as the candidate who would be contesting on behalf of Pejuang, the new political party founded by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad barely two weeks ago.
However, Pejuang, or its full name Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Fighters of the Nation Party), has yet to be formally registered with the Registrar of Society. Hence, it cannot officially participate in the by-election. Therefore, Amir must contest as an independent, and he has chosen the “tree” as his logo.
Amir has also been endorsed by Pakatan Harapan and he would go against BN candidate Mohd Zaidi Aziz (above) and another independent candidate, Santharasekaran Subramaniam.
Asked on whether he used to be a Bersatu member, Amir admitted to the fact and said he had quit the party recently, citing personal principle as the reason.
"It’s true, I was a Bersatu member. But I made the decision (to quit) and contest as an independent candidate.
"I believe I am holding on the right principle and I believe that our political landscape needs to be improved, especially to correct all wrongdoings that had happened," he said.
Mahathir used to be the Bersatu chairperson, but he was expelled from the party after he opposed the decision by the party’s president Muhyiddin Yassin to join forces with Umno. He announced the formation of Pejuang on Aug 6.
The Slim by-election would be the first battlefield for Mahathir and his loyalists to test the strength of his new party.
The by-election was called following the death of its incumbent Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib on July 15. The polling day is set to take place this Aug 29.
Meanwhile, Amir said he chose a tree as his symbol because it has a personal meaning.
"We chose a tree as the logo because to me, a tree symbolises a strong foundation with its roots holding on to the ground, while its leaves symbolise protection for Slim voters," he said. - Mkini
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