THE Sungai Bakap by-election campaign has reached a fever pitch, with candidates from Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional vigorously competing for the crucial seat.
Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin was warmly welcomed by thousands of guests at a dinner in Jalan Tasek Indah, Sungai Bakap.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who joined him, urged voters to strongly support Dr Joohari.
“Every vote is important, and we need your support to ensure we continue to uphold unity under the current Unity Government.
“I believe both sides have an equal chance of winning at the moment. The percentage is probably around 48-52, and we are closing in. We need your strong support,” he said.
Chow praised Dr Joohari’s strong educational background and character.
“Besides being a former educator, Dr Joohari, fondly known as Cikgu Joohari, is hardworking and responsible.
“The people can see for themselves what kind of person Cikgu Joohari is.
“With his great personality, I believe he will be able to serve the rakyat in Sungai Bakap wholeheartedly if given the opportunity to be their elected representative,” Chow said.
Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer also called on Sungai Bakap voters to support the Cikgu Joohari.
“The coalitions in the Unity Govenrment came together to form the Government to preserve peace and harmony in Malaysia.
“Dr Joohari is a candidate of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which is part of the Unity Government.
“I believe the people want a representative who cares for everyone regardless of their beliefs. The Unity Government cares for all,” Rayer said.
Also present at the dinner were Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, and Senator Dr R.A. Lingeswaran.
The Sungai Bakap by-election is a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail.
The seat became vacant following the death of the incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, from Perikatan Nasional, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
Polling day is set for July 6, with early voting scheduled for July 2.
A total of 39,279 electors, including 57 police personnel, are eligible to vote in this by-election.