Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed confidence in the Pulai parliamentary by-election on Sept 9, stating that the Pakatan Harapan candidate, who represents the Pakatan-Barisan alliance, has a high chance of winning. According to Ahmad Zahid, the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, the former Member of Parliament for Pulai, maintained strong relationships with Umno members in the constituency. He also mentioned that the Pulai Umno division is collaborating well with the Pakatan grassroots.
Ahmad Zahid further emphasized this point by stating, “For Pulai, I am very confident (of victory) because Pulai Umno division chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed has good relations with our Pakatan friends although just nine months ago we were rivals. But now, he has lined up several programmes to unite the two machineries. Salahuddin also frequently interacted with Umno members, so Pulai will be quite easy.”
During the 15th general election, Salahuddin secured his seat on the Pakatan ticket, with combined votes from Pakatan and Barisan exceeding 94,000. In contrast, the Perikatan Nasional candidate only received about 20,000 votes. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the strong cooperation among the Unity Government component parties, which was evident during the nomination process for both the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections.
While acknowledging that grassroots support might need some time to adjust, Ahmad Zahid expressed hope for a robust Unity Government machinery during the campaign period. He refrained from responding to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Sanusi Md Nor’s claim that the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections symbolize the end of Umno.
Notably, both the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections will feature three-cornered fights involving candidates from Pakatan, Perikatan, and independent candidates. The Pulai seat contenders include Pakatan candidate Suhaizan Kaiat, former Johor State Assembly Speaker, Perikatan’s Zulkifli Jaafar, and independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi who is using the key symbol.
The Pulai and Simpang Jeram seats fell vacant following the passing of Salahuddin on July 23. Salahuddin served as Amanah deputy president and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister. The Election Commission scheduled early voting for Sept 5 and polling for Sept 9 for both by-elections. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
