Nominations for Chini by-election kick off under 'new normal'

CHINI POLLS | The nomination process for the Chini state by-election gets underway this morning as the first election in the country that will take place in the "new normal" under the recovery movement control order (RMCO) to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.

Chini is one of four state seats under the Pekan parliamentary constituency, which is held by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The by-election was called following the death of BN incumbent Abu Bakar Harun on May 6.

Fortunately for Chini voters, the district is a green zone as far as Covid-19 is concerned, but there are some significant changes.

The Election Commission has decided to allow indoor 'ceramah" (talks), house-to-house visits and walkabouts, subject to prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), during the campaign period which ends at midnight on July 3.

However, in this by-election, many new rules (SOPs) have to be followed, among them practising social distancing, no "salams" (handshakes) or hugging. 

Face masks need to worn, hands should be washed or sanitised frequently, attendance records and temperature checks need to be taken (for ceramah) during the campaign period.

Also based on the SOPs issued by the EC, supporters of the candidates are not allowed to be present at Dewan Utama Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN), Pekan, the nomination centre, while processions leading to it are not allowed.

Supporters also cannot come within 1.5km of the nomination centre.

Another thing that is different this time around is that besides EC staff, Health Ministry personnel will also be present at the hall to be prepared to act in case a candidate, proposer or seconder shows Covid-19 symptoms.

This 11th by-election since the 14th General Election (GE14) held in May 2018, is the first one since the Perikatan Nasional government was formed in February.

BN has announced Mohd Sharim Md Zain, 41, who is a Pekan Umno committee member and Majlis Belia Felda Wilayah Kuantan chairman, as its candidate for the traditional Umno seat in what is viewed as a BN stronghold.

Although Pakatan Harapan has decided to stay out of this by-election, Mohd Sharim, who is a second-generation Felda Chini settler, is expected to be challenged by an independent candidate has stated that he would be contesting.

Businessman Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, who is Pekan Bersatu deputy-chief has announced that he would be using the '’house'’ symbol and has also come up with a manifesto titled 'Menjadi Suara Rakyat Chini' (Becoming the Voice of the People of Chini).

Bersatu disciplinary board chairperson Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas has said that Zainul could be sacked straight away as per the party constitution.

In the 14th general election, Abu Bakar, a three-term incumbent, retained the Chini seat with a 4,622-vote majority, beating PAS candidate Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim, who received 5,405 votes, and Mohamad Razali Ithnain from PKR, who obtained only 1,065 votes.

For this election, PAS is supporting Umno/BN.

Chini has 20,900 registered voters, comprising 20,972 regular voters and 18 early voters. Those aged 40 and below make up 56 per cent of the voters.

The nomination process will be held from 9 am -10 am. 

Returning Officer Datuk Zaliza Zulkipli is expected to announce the names of the candidates by 11 am.

Polling is on July 4.

- Bernama

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