BENTONG: Barisan Nasional needs to win the Pelangai by-election to boost the coalition’s confidence for the 16th General Election (GE16), according to Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the Umno deputy president. He stated that this victory would raise the morale of members and strengthen the party after its poor performance in the previous general election. Mohamad Hasan urged the machinery to work hard and emphasized the importance of being prepared for the upcoming battle in GE16.
During a Sembang Santai program at Felda Chemomoi, Mohamad Hasan reminded reporters that the survival of the party was at stake and that they still needed political partners. Pahang Umno liaison chairman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Barisan candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam also attended the event.
Mohamad Hasan further mentioned that Umno could only evaluate the party’s strength after GE16, which is scheduled to take place no later than May 2027. In the meantime, he expressed confidence in winning any by-election, including Pelangai, with a larger majority.
The Pelangai by-election was triggered by the passing of incumbent assemblyman Datuk Seri Johari Harun in a plane crash in Shah Alam, Selangor, on August 17. It will be a three-cornered fight between Amizar, Kasim Samat of Perikatan Nasional, and Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasni. The polling is scheduled for October 7.
When asked about Umno veteran Abdul Rahman Bakar’s call for an immediate leadership overhaul in Terengganu following the party’s poor performance in GE15 and the state elections, Mohamad Hasan said the matter would be discussed after the Pelangai by-election.
Meanwhile, Perikatan’s Kasim reported positive reactions from local voters. During his campaign in Pelangai, he stated that voters consistently assured him of their support in the upcoming by-election.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
