Rompin Umno acting head Datuk Hasan Arifin has been named Barisan Nasional's candidate for the Rompin by-election. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Hasan was also Pahang deputy Menteri Besar.

The Rompin by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent, Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis in a helicopter crash in Semenyih, Selangor.

In the April 4 incident, the AS365N2 Dauphin (9M-IGB) helicopter carrying six people crashed in a rubber plantation in Kampung Sungai Pening, Semenyih at 4.55pm.

Besides Fournier, also killed Private Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Azlin Alias, businessman Datuk Tan Huat Seang, Jamaluddin's personal bodyguard Razakan Seran and a woman known as Aidana Baizieva.

Hasan, 62, has been picked as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Rompin Parliamentary by-election on May 5.

The selection of the former Pahang Deputy Menteri Besar was announced by deputy prime minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at a ceremony to announce the candidate and handing over of credentials at the BN Machinery Operation Centre in Muadzam, here, today.

Muhyiddin, who is also Umno deputy president, said to discharge a duty which demanded a strong work effort, BN was bringing to the fore an experienced political figure who was no stranger to the people of Rompin.

"The party leadership has decided. Hasan is most suitable and qualified to contest as the BN representative in the Rompin Parliament due many factors, including his vast experience in the business of the party and the government," he said.

He said this in a media conference which was held after the ceremony here, today.