KUANTAN - The combination of three leaders namely Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang who will be leading Perikatan Nasional's (PN) campaign for the Pelangai state by-election poses no challenge to Barisan Nasional (BN) in defending the seat.
Pahang DAP chairman Leong Ngah Ngah said from the three main leaders under PN, Hadi was the only one seen with more influence based on Pas' current strong performance.
He said the presence of the Pas president may attract PN supporters to continue to vote for its candidate.
"However, the leader’s influence could not influence the BN or Pakatan Harapan (PH) support in this state assembly.
"We are not worried about Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin as their influence were not as strong here (in Pahang),” he said when contacted, today.
Leong said it was up to PN to place anyone to lead its campaign for the Pelangai by-election.
"The question was whether the three leaders would be able to attract more support for their candidate Kasim Samat to win.
"To us, the presence of the main BN and PH leadership lineup to go on the ground and assist in campaigns here is far more effective,” he said.
He said the BN candidate seemed to have his own strengths, not only because the state constituency was the party stronghold, but its candidate, Datuk Amizar Abu Adam was a local and has the advantage to attract voters.
"Pahang DAP will provide assistance to ensure victory for the BN candidate,” he said.
Bentong PKR branch chief Jeffry Nizam said in the election, anyone could be placed to lead a campaign to secure victory for their candidate.
He said PN’s action was not a problem for PH and BN.
"This is a BN stronghold, people here know what’s available and what they want in Pelangai compared to outsiders, so we will move the campaign machinery as per usual and look at the results after the polling day on Oct 7,” he said.
Previously analysts predicted the combination of the three leaders could be a threat for BN to defend the seat.