The seat was vacated following the death of assemblyman Johari Harun in the plane crash near Bandar Elmina in Shah Alam on Aug 17.

“Together, let us ensure victory for (the unity alliance’s) candidates in Pulai, Simpang Jeram, and most importantly, our BN candidate in Pelangai,” Zahid said in a speech at a Wanita Umno assembly at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The Umno president, however, did not reveal the BN candidate who would stand in Pelangai.

At a press conference at its headquarters this morning, Election Commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said the nomination of candidates for the Pelangai by-election in Pahang would be held on Sept 23, and early voting had been set for Oct 3.

Meanwhile, the by-election for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats in Johor will be held on Sept 9, with nomination day set for Aug 26 and early voting on Sept 5.

The Pulai and Simpang Jeram seats were vacated following the death of incumbent Salahuddin Ayub on July 23. He was also Amanah deputy president and the domestic trade and cost of living minister.

Amanah announced its candidates last week, with former Johor state assembly speaker Suhaizan Kaiat to stand in Pulai, while Nazri Abdul Rahman would be contesting in Simpang Jeram.

Yesterday, Perikatan Nasional named businessman Zulkifli Jaafar as its candidate for the Pulai seat while vascular surgeon Dr Mazri Yahya would stand in Simpang Jeram.

Umno’s Rembia assemblyman at PN event

Asked to comment on Umno’s Rembia assemblyman Jailani Khamis attending a PN event in Pulai, Johor, last night, Zahid said he received reports on the matter and that “we will do something about it”.

Earlier, Alor Gajah Umno chief Fairul Nizam Roslan slammed Jailani for once again attending a PN event, calling the latter an “ingrate”.

Fairul was quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying that if Jailani’s “heart is no longer with Umno” he should be forthcoming and quit the party.

In May, Jailani set tongues wagging after he was seen attending PN’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri event in Jasin Bistari and rubbing shoulders with Melaka PN chief Yadzil Yaakub and other coalition leaders.

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