Chempaka by-election: Kelantan Perkasa VP to contest as independent

A leader of the Malay right-wing group Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) in Kelantan has expressed his intention to contest as an independent candidate in the Chempaka state by-election on March 22.

Sharif Mahmood, 59, vice-president of Kelantan Perkasa, said he had bought a nomination form.

"I decided to offer myself for contest to nourish the democratic system in the country," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

He said the Chempaka constituency was in need of much development, which he felt could be implemented with an assemblyman who was friendly to the federal government.

Kelantan Election Commission (EC) director Mohamad Mahmud said today four nomination forms had been sold so far.

Nomination for the by-election is on March 10.

The Chempaka seat fell vacant following the death of PAS spiritual leader and former Kelantan menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat on Feb 12.

Nik Abdul Aziz had retained the seat in the 13th General Election in 2013 by beating Wan Razman Wan Abd Razak of the Barisan Nasional with a majority of 6,500 votes.