UMNO stands by democratic principles - Zambry

UMNO cannot bar an individual from contesting as independent in any general election as the party stands by democratic principles, says Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

However, he said UMNO members who were loyal to the party would not resort to that.

Zambry, who is also Perak UMNO Liaison Committee chairman was commenting on Selangor's Taman Cempaka UMNO branch youth assistant secretary, Syed Rosli Syed Harman Jamalullail's intention to contest as an independent candidate in the Kuala Kangsar Paliamentary by-election next month.

"If he is an UMNO member, he will surely not contest as an independent candidate. This is because an UMNO member will know our decision to name a suitable candidate to contest in the by-election.

"He can use numerous excuses to contest, whether to divide the votes or anything to justify his action," he said on Tuesday after handing over Ramadan contributions to 24 UMNO divisions in conjunction with a meet-the-people programme organised by the UMNO Welfare Bureau.

In KUALA KANGSAR, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid gave similar views that anyone could contest in an election in a democratic country.

"Coincidentally, there is a by-election, he (Syed Rosli) made a statement that he wanted to be a candidate. Let's see later," he said, adding that Barisan Nasional (BN) could retain the Kuala Kangsar seat.

Today, a portal reported that Syed Rosli made the decisision because he was disappointed with BN's decision to field Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid, the widow of Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, as the candidate for the Kuala Kangsar by-election.

The by-election is held following the death of Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak on May 5.

The Election Commission has fixed polling on June 18. Nomination is on June 5.