KUALA TERENGGANU: The campaign by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan in Terengganu and Kelantan is gaining momentum, according to a PKR leader.
PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who oversees Kelantan and Terengganu, stated that the reception towards both coalitions in the PAS-controlled states has become “more positive”.
During a meeting with Pakatan activists and members at Bukit Besar, Nik Nazmi expressed his satisfaction with Pakatan’s cooperation with Barisan and emphasized the importance of ensuring voter turnout.
Positive sentiments have been observed in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat, which consists of four state seats – Batu Buruk, Wakaf Mempelam, Bandar, and Ladang. All four seats were won by PAS in the 2018 election.
Due to an Election Court nullifying PAS’ victory in the 15th General Election (GE15) last year, a by-election is also taking place in the parliamentary seat, in addition to the state election.
Pakatan, together with Barisan, is contesting against PAS in Kuala Terengganu. PAS is currently part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
Pakatan and Barisan are also competing for the 32 state seats in Terengganu, most of which were won by PAS in GE14.
Nik Nazmi, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, highlighted that the focus in the remaining days of campaigning will be on persuading fence-sitters, particularly those voting in Kuala Terengganu.
Speaking to reporters, he expressed that Pakatan and Barisan are not deterred by PAS winning the Kuala Terengganu seat with a significant 40,000-vote majority in GE15.
He explained, “I do not want to underestimate our opponents because they have been in Terengganu for a long time. However, we also know that Terengganu voters tend to not let PAS stay in power for long after their victory.”
PAS took over Terengganu by defeating Umno in the 1999 election but lost the state after one term in the 2004 national polls. The Islamist party managed to regain control of the state in 2018.
Nik Nazmi also dismissed allegations from Perikatan that the Opposition coalition would be capable of dismantling the unity government pact if it wins all six state elections.
He said, “The King and most of the people have expressed their desire for stability. Our country needs economic growth, investments, and job creation. Talks like these will not benefit the country. They need to act as a responsible Opposition.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
