A VICTORY in the Sungai Bakap by-election will be a significant morale booster for the unity government at both the state and federal levels, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow, who also chairs the state Pakatan Harapan (PH), emphasised that winning the by-election would enhance the collaboration between PH and Barisan Nasional (BN).
“We recognise that we enter the Sungai Bakap by-election as the underdog, having lost the seat by a margin of 1,563 votes in the last state election.
“Thus, it is expected to be a very close and challenging contest,” Chow remarked.
He assured that they would utilise the remaining four days of the campaign to persuade the voters in Sungai Bakap to ensure a higher turnout and convert this turnout into support for their candidate.
“There are also various local and national issues that have been addressed.
“I hope the explanations provided by our unity government leadership during our ceramahs and walkabouts will convince the voters to support us,” Chow told reporters at the Penang Marriott Hotel in Gurney Drive today.
Chow expressed optimism that voter turnout would reach 70% or higher on polling day this Saturday.
“A low turnout might jeopardise our chances of winning the seat.
“Therefore, I urge the eligible voters in Sungai Bakap, including those residing outside the constituency, to return and cast their votes on polling day,” he said.
He called on voters to consider the policies and programmes implemented by the unity government for the people’s welfare and vote for their candidate.
The Sungai Bakap by-election features 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. Nor Zamri, who was also the Nibong Tebal PAS chief, had won the seat by defeating Nurhidayah Che Rose from Pakatan with 15,433 votes to 13,870 votes, a majority of 1,563 votes.
Polling day is set for July 6.