BENTONG: Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail has been appointed as the Barisan Nasional (BN) machinery leader for the Pelangai state by-election, according to an announcement made by Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The announcement was made after Ahmad Zahid accompanied the party’s candidate for the by-election, Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, to the nomination centre at Felda Kemasul Community Hall on Saturday (Sept 23).
In order to secure voters’ support, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that Barisan must not be complacent and too confident in defending their BN stronghold. He urged the machinery to work diligently and take extraordinary measures.
Despite having already held a majority of over 4,000 votes in the last 15th General Election (GE15) through the late Datuk Seri Johari Harun and a majority of over 2,000 votes through the Pakatan Harapan candidate, Ahmad Zahid advised against taking things for granted. He noted that the opponents were adopting the strategy of giving talks in small groups and emphasized the importance of increasing voter engagement and meeting constituents face-to-face.
In the previous GE15, Johari, representing Barisan, won by a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Kasim Samat (3,260), Pakatan Harapan’s Ahmed Wafiuddin (2,031), and Pejuang candidate Isa Ahmad (65).
Grateful for the support from all friends in the Unity Government for the Barisan candidate in Pelangai, Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in Amizar’s ability to continue the legacy of the Pelangai state seat incumbent.
According to Ahmad Zahid, Amizar is popular among the people of Pelangai and comes from a Felda family (Felda Chemomoi). He believes Amizar will be able to provide the same level of service as Johari did.
The Pelangai state by-election will witness a three-cornered battle between Amizar, Kasim Samat (PN), and Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli. The by-election was called following the unfortunate death of Johari in a plane crash in Shah Alam, Selangor on Aug 17.
The Election Commission has set the polling day for Oct 7, with early voting scheduled on Oct 3.
In other news, Ahmad Zahid stated that Haslihelmy has been removed from his Bentong Umno Youth membership for contesting as an Independent candidate in the Pelangai by-election. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
