Mohd Yacoob to contest as independent in Bukit Gelugor

The Independent candidate for the state constituency of Sungai Pinang in the 13th general election, Mohd Yacoob Mohd Noor, today expressed his willingness to contest in the by-election for the Parliamentary constituency of Bukit Gelugor scheduled for May 25.

Mohd Yacoop, 25, who manages several homestay units in Penang, said he had learnt a lot when he contested in the last general election and the experience gained would be used as a lesson in facing the Bukit Gelugor by-election.

"After having held meetings with my supporters, my election machinery and I decided to contest in the Bukit Gelugor by-election. Although I had lost in the last general election, I am still inspired to contest.

"I have also held several gatherings with the people and based on my observation, many people are beginning to support me and we have also made preparations for the election machinery to campaign and meet the community in the Bukit Gelugor Parliamentary constituency," he said at a press conference, here today.

In the 13th general election, Yacoob received only 141 votes in a three-cornered fight for the Sungai Pinang state constituency which was won by DAP candidate Lim Siew Khim who polled 12,354 votes while Barisan Nasional candidate Looi Swee Cheang received 7,647 votes.

The Bukit Gelugor parliamentary by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Karpal Singh (DAP) in a road accident on April 17. The Election Commission fixed May 12 as nomination day while early voting was set for May 21 and polling day on May 25.

The late Karpal Singh, who was also former DAP chairman, won the seat in the 2013 general election with a majority of 42,706 votes, beating BN candidate Teh Beng Yeam, who polled 13,597 votes.