KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional is expected to field a candidate from Bersatu, Khairul Azhari Saut, for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, says a source in the know.

"Khairul is the Bersatu Hulu Selangor division chief, he is a local boy and a professional. He's a double degree holder," the PN source told the New Straits Times.

"Kuala Kubu Baharu is now a Malay-majority seat, around 51 per cent of voters are Malay. We believe that we can secure 70% of the Malay vote through Khairul."

The source said that PN's top leadership has briefed Gerakan about the decision to field Khairul.

Gerakan had been tipped to field a candidate for PN, having contested the seat in last year's Selangor state election.

The party had reportedly shortlisted several candidates, including a Malay candidate, Muniraa Abu Bakar.

In last year's state election, Muniraa contested the Bukit Lanjan seat.

"However, the primary consideration (for PN) was fielding the most suitable and winnable candidate and Khairul fits the bill, especially because he is from the area and already has a presence there."

The source said Gerakan's leadership has accepted the decision.

Earlier today, a DAP source told the New Straits Times that the party will likely field Pang Sock Tao, an aide to Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming in the May 11 by-election.

According to reports, the decision to field Pang, 31, who previously served as a news presenter for DAP's UbahTV, was finalised last week.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu seat fell vacant on March 21 after its incumbent Lee Kee Hiong died from cancer.

In the Selangor state election last year, Lee helped DAP to retain Kuala Kubu Baharu after she polled a majority of 4,119 votes in a four-cornered fight at the state seat.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/04/1042071/pn-likely-field-bersatu-man-kkb-says-source