CHINI: A second generation Felda settler has been announced as Barisan Nasional's (BN) candidate for the upcoming Chini state seat by-election.
Mohd Sharim Md Zaini, 41, is a Chini lad who is also Pekan Umno division committee member.
The announcement was made by Pahang BN chairman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at the Pekan Umno office.
Also present is Pekan member of Parliament Datuk Seri Najib Razak
"The total number of voters who are 40 years and below are 56.97 per cent (in Chini) and we understand the wishes of the youth who want their voices to be heard in the Pahang state assembly.
"The candidate we are fielding is a young person, a local and has vast experience in youth organisations and politics," Wan Rosdy told a press conference which was aired live on the Umno Online Facebook page today.
Wan Rosdy called on all BN and Muafakat Nasional election machinery to start making preparations as the upcoming by-election would set the benchmark for the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
"The outcome of this by-election will send a signal on the amount of support we will receive from the public in the 15th General Election (GE15)."
According to Wan Rosdy, Najib was appointed as the election director (operational) for the July 4 by-election.
In his speech earlier, Najib said BN will find the best way to campaign for its candidate while at the same time adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) fixed by the Election Commission (EC).
"Our movement will be very limited but whatever it is, we will ensure the victory of our candidate.
"I hope our decision in choosing this candidate will be taken positively by all quarters," he said.
Recently EC chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said that ceramah events, mass gatherings and house-to-house campaigning are forbidden during the by-election.
The Chini state seat fell vacant following the death of Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun, 60.
He died at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital on May 7 from a heart attack, shortly after experiencing breathing difficulties and collapsing.
In the last general election, Abu Bakar defended the Chini seat with a 4,622-vote majority while Pas candidate Mohd Fadhil Nor Abdul Karim received 5,405 votes and Mohamad Razali Ithnain from PKR only obtained 1,065 votes.
The EC has set nomination day on June 20, early voting on June 30 and polling on July 4 with a 14-day campaign period.