NEWCOMER Pejuang can give Barisan Nasional a run for its money in the Slim state by-election, Mukhriz Mahathir said on the campaign trail today.

“Although Pejuang is not yet officially registered, we have received many queries from people wanting to join the party,” said the former Bersatu deputy president in Felda Gunung Besout 1.

Mukhriz, who is de facto Pejuang president, spoke while canvassing door-to-door with Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi, the independent candidate representing the party.

The former Kedah menteri besar was asked to comment on Pejuang’s chances in the by-election. Dr Mahathir Mohamad had introduced the party just over a week ago. Its logo was unveiled two days ago when party leaders applied to the Registrar of Societies for registration of the party.

“Our chances are looking better this week than when we first started campaigning last week.

“People have started to notice our candidate, Amir, who is endorsed by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, which means we have to work harder to make a bigger impact,” said Mukhriz.

Former Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman and Tg Malim MP Chang Lih Kang accompanied the two.

Former Pakatan Harapan prime minister Dr Mahathir formed Pejuang after he, Mukhriz and other MPs were sacked from Bersatu for not supporting president Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional government.

Polling is on August 29. The Perak seat was vacated following the death of its incumbent Mohd Khushairi Abdul Talib, 59, from BN, on July 15.

Amir, 38, is contesting as an independent as the party is not yet registered.

He faces BN’s Mohd Zaidi Aziz, 43, and another independent, S. Sentharasekaran, 44. – August 21, 2020.