PONTIAN - The Pelangai State Legislative Assembly by-election should serve as the starting point to curtail the Perikatan Nasional (PN) 'green wave' as seen in previous by-elections in Simpang Jeram and the Pulai Parliamentary constituency.
Umno Supreme Council (MKT) member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan stated that the unity of the party's machinery and local candidates is viewed as an advantage for Barisan Nasional (BN) in retaining victory in the Pelangai State Legislative Assembly.
"The selection of BN's candidate, Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, who is a local from Felda Chemomoi, is an advantage in attracting voters because nearly half of the voters are Felda settlers.
"Additionally, the election machinery has been provided with briefings and explanations regarding the work needed to ensure that the Pelangai State Legislative Assembly seat remains in the hands of Umno and BN," he said.
Ahmad, who is also a Pontian MP, said this after visiting Dewan Sekolah Menengah Agama (SMA) Bugisiah Tampok in Benut, which was caught on fire last Sunday. He also handed over RM10,000 in donations to the school.
Furthermore, Ahmad, who also serves as Deputy Finance Minister, said that the voters in the Pelangai State Legislative Assembly need to make a choice on whether their area remains a supporter of the government or becomes part of the opposition.
"If they want to remain a government-supporting area, they must choose a candidate from BN; however, if they choose the opposing candidate, Pelangai State Legislative Assembly will become an opposition area," he added.
The Election Commission (EC) has set tomorrow as the nomination day, while Oct 7 is the polling day.
The Pelangai State Legislative Assembly seat became vacant following the death of Datuk Seri Johari Harun in a plane crash in Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam, on Aug 17.
BN has named the Umno Bentong Division Committee Member, Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, as its candidate, while PN is fielding Pas Bentong Deputy Chief, Kassim Samat.
In the 15th General Election (GE15), the late Johari secured a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) (2,031 votes).
On the fire incident at Dewan SMK Bugisiah, he expressed full support for the school's request submitted to the Education Malaysia Ministry to rebuild the affected building.
Additionally, a request has been made to rebuild a block for occupation, as certified by the Public Works Department (PWD).
"The estimated cost for both buildings is RM2 million.
"Currently, Form Six students are temporarily occupying Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Sinaran Tampok, which is located nearby," he said.