KAJANG, Feb 24 — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today chaired a special Barisan Nasional (BN) meeting for the by-election for the Kajang state assembly seat at the Hulu Langat Umno building, here.

Muhyiddin, who is also the BN deputy chairman, arrived at 9am and was greeted by BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Also present was the BN candidate for the by-election, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

Others who were present were Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Kong, MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, Umno Youth vice-head Khairul Azwan Harun and Selangor Umno Liaison head Datuk Seri Noh Omar.

The meeting that lasted more than an hour aimed to discuss the BN’s plan and strategy to face the by-election to be held on March 23. 

Muhyiddin, when announcing the MCA vice-president as the BN candidate last Friday, said Chew who hails from Selangor, was selected because of her credibility, wide experience and familiarity with the federal government.

The former deputy minister is expected to face Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the by-election.

Former KITA party president Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, senator S. Nallakaruppan and lawyer Yuktes Vijay had also expressed their intention to contest as independent candidates.

The Election Commission (EC) has fixed March 11 for nomination day.

The by-election for the Kajang State Assembly seat is being held following the sudden resignation of the incumbent assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh from PKR on Jan 27. — Bernama