NIBONG TEBAL, July 5 — The Unity Government machinery must intensify its efforts to woo fence-sitters on the final day of campaigning today if it wants the Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) candidate to win the Sungai Bakap by-election tomorrow, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) deputy president Rafizi Ramli.
He said this group’s votes could tip the balance in Harapan’s favour and lead to a change in government.
“Please remember: Our fate is determined by fence-sitters, and they are the largest group in any election. It is up to them.
“We have to convey (our message) to the fence-sitters because emotions don’t put food on the table; emotions don’t solve water or infrastructure issues, they don’t open more universities for our children. They only benefit politicians, who are the people’s representatives,” he said at Ceramah Perpaduan in Sungai Bakap Perdana 1 last night.
Also present were Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, and Harapan’s Sungai Bakap candidate Joohari Ariffin.
Joohari is being challenged by Nibong Tebal PAS deputy chief Abidin Ismail, representing Perikatan Nasional in the by-election, which was called after the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
In last year’s Penang elections, Nor Zamri won the Sungai Bakap seat, which has been a Keadilan stronghold since 2008, defeating Harapan candidate Nurhidayah Che Ros with a majority of 1,563 votes.
— Bernama
