INFIGHTING in Bersatu might see the party field an outsider for the Semenyih by-election on March 2, a party source said.

This move, however, may not please the grassroots as they prefer a local candidate, they added.

“The grassroots want a local candidate, like (Hulu Langat Bersatu deputy chief) Rais Zulkifli. He fights for the people and is active in the constituency,” the source told The Malaysian Insight.

“Rais was also an active member when Bersatu was in the opposition.”

In recent weeks, banners have emerged in Semenyih protesting against a supposed list of candidates shortlisted by Bersatu, sparking claims that the party is divided over the candidate. 

Rais, however, has denied this, telling The Malaysian Insight that the banners were put up to rattle them.

“This is an act of provocation by outsiders, not by Bersatu members themselves,” Rais said, adding that Bersatu had 1,800 members in Hulu Langat.

“They want to divide us and make us fight among ourselves. But we have no misunderstandings.”

Rais said Bersatu will instead focus on strengthening its machinery to claim victory in the Semenyih by-election.

“We want to put aside the issue of the candidate first. The list has been sent so we will leave it to the leadership to decide.

“As for us, all our members understand that now is the time for us to focus on the by-election campaign.”

Rais added that while the final decision on the candidate is up to the leadership, a local one is the smarter choice.

“If that is the decision of the leadership, we will accept it. But the people here want a local candidate.”

Six candidates have been shortlisted and their names submitted to the party leadership.

The by-election is held following the death of Pakatan Harapan assemblyman Bakhtiar Mohd Nor, 57, of a heart attack on January 11. Nomination is on February 16.

Speculation has also surfaced that pop queen Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin has been shortlisted, which she has since denied.

Recently, Umno portal Watan Online published an online poll asking its readers to vote between Siti Nurhaliza and Umno Puteri chief Zahida Zarik Khan as their choice for Semenyih rep.

It has been reported that Umno, too, has shortlisted six names for the by-election and may also field an outsider.

PAS, which contested the seat in the general election last year, will stay out of the upcoming polls and support Umno’s choice.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia, meanwhile, said yesterday it will contest the by-election, keeping with its tradition since 2008, although without much success. – February 7, 2019.