SEMENYIH: Pakatan Harapan will field the son-in-law of the late assemblyman Bakhtiar Mohd Nor to defend the Semenyih state seat in the upcoming by-election.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition had chosen Bersatu Hulu Langat treasurer Muhammad Aiman Zainali, 30, as its candidate.
The electrical engineer, who is currently pursuing a doctorate in the field, was among six names submitted to PH for consideration, said Muhyiddin, who made the announcement at the people's service centre here.
Also present at the announcement were PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
Muhyiddin said all six potential candidates had been fully vetted.
“We vetted each candidate with the Insolvency Department for bankruptcy, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police for any serious criminal offence,” he said, adding that he had then met PH chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for final approval.
In his speech before announcing the candidate, Muyhddin said PH was confident of retaining Semenyih and urged the people and voters to give the government time to resolve issues.
“Semenyih is a testing ground for us, but please don't forget that we inherited huge debts and a bad situation because of a kleptocratic government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Aiman urged voters in Semenyih to believe and be confident in him.
“Actually, you don't have to believe me, but at least be confident in me,” he said.
The by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Bakhtiar of a heart attack on Jan 11.
Nomination day has been set for Saturday and polling on March 2.
The Semenyih constituency has 54,503 registered voters, comprising 53,520 ordinary voters, 951 early voters and 32 absentee voters.