Barisan’s man: Muhyiddin and Isa surrounded by journalists and supporters after the announcement by the Umno deputy president in Port Dickson Tuesday. — DARRAN TAN

PORT DICKSON: Barisan Nasional has chosen former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Tan Sri Isa Samad as its candidate for the Bagan Pinang by-election.

His candidacy, which was announced by Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here yesterday, was greeted with thunderous cheers and applause.

He said the decision was made based on a detailed study on the wishes of the local community.

Nomination day is Saturday while polling will take place on Oct 11.

This is the first time that Isa, who is Teluk Kemang Umno division chief, is contesting in his kampung.

Meanwhile, PAS named its Negri Sembilan commissioner Zulkefly Mohamad Omar as the Pakatan Rakyat candidate.