Automatically Out Indie Chini Candidate Stands To Lose Bersatu Membership

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CHINI POLLS | Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin stands to lose his Bersatu membership “automatically’ following his decision to contest the Chini by-election as an independent candidate
The party has decided not to contest the polls
Asked about Zainul's (above) move, party disciplinary board chairperson Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas said the Pekan Bersatu deputy chief could be sacked straight away as per the party constitution
“If he goes ahead (to contest), he is automatically out. Because it is as if he is joining the opposition or going against the party’s instructions or arrangements
“Section 10.2.4 clearly states that members lose their membership automatically if they contest (an election) as a candidate who is not from the party or as an independent candidate
“We don’t need to bring it before the disciplinary board,” he told Malaysiakini today. Section 10.2.4 of the Bersatu constitution states that members can have their memberships nullified with immediate effect if they contest in an election against the party’s candidate or contest without the party’s permission
Earlier today, Zainul announced that he will be contesting the July 4 by-election as an independent candidate regardless of the consequences
Using a house logo, he touted his “Being the voice of the Chini people” manifesto during his announcement
Megat Najmuddin said the party will act on Zainul if he follows through with his candidature this Saturday
“We will wait and see if he really (contests) or if he is just talking about it. But if he really does it, he will be out,” he said
Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin previously stated that the party will not be contesting the Chini by-election
Instead, he said the party will do its best to provide “full support” to BN to win the Pahang state seat
The Bersatu dissident faction led by disputed party chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad also said that it would not be fielding a candidate in the traditionally PKR seat
Citing Covid-19 concerns, PKR and Pakatan Harapan have decided not to participate in the upcoming polls
BN announced today that it will be fielding Pekan Umno committee member Mohd Sharim Md Zain (above) as its candidate
The Chini seat fell vacant after the incumbent, Umno’s Abu Bakar Harun, 60, died from a heart attack last month
In GE14, Abu Bakar had garnered 10,027 votes to win the seat with a 4,622 majority against PAS’ Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim and PKR’s Mohamad Razali Ithnain
Nomination day is this Saturday while early voting is on June 30. - Mkini

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