KKB by-election: Candidates rally for votes in final stretch

KUALA KUBU BAHARU - The campaign battle between the contesting parties, particularly between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state assembly by-election continues to intensify.

Although there are only less than 24 hours left in the campaign period, both candidates representing these political giants, PH's Pang Sock Tao and PN's Khairul Azhari Saut, continue to aggressively engage in activities to reach out to voters in a final push to garner support.

Both PH and PN candidates, along with their respective party machineries, had actively conducted outreach activities, despite the limited time remaining in the campaign.

The final phase of the campaign also saw not only the candidates working hard but also top party leaders at the national level camping in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

In contrast to the somewhat lackluster first week of the campaign, the area, well-known for its eco-tourism attractions, especially its recreational areas, became lively with the presence of party machinery from across the country.

Although this by-election only involves the state assembly and did not change the status of the state or federal government, winning in KKB was crucial for both political giants.

For PH, this victory was important to heal the wounds of failing to retain a two-thirds majority in the state elections last year, as well as to ensure that the seat they held for three terms did not slip away.

For PN, this victory was important as a morale booster for supporters as well as evidence that Malay support truly leans towards them.

Many see both candidates as equally poised to win over the hearts of voters.

POPULAR

Although the PN candidate was seen as more 'popular' with controversial issues compared to the PH candidate, who is viewed as more steady, Pang also faced her own challenges, especially involving Indian voters.

In terms of party campaign strategies, both PH and PN focus on group speeches and outreach activities.

The difference lies in PH's focus on the KKB town area, while PN concentrates more on the Batang Kali area.

Two other candidates contesting, Hafizah Zainuddin, representing the Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM), and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin were seen to have less impact.

When approached, Pang stated that in the final hours of the campaign, she is focusing on reaching out to several groups of voters whom she has not met closely yet.

She said that overall, she and her campaign team have reached out to all voters in the KKB state assembly.

Pang said based on the responses received from voters of various races, religions, and ages, she was confident in helping PH retain the seat previously held by the late Lee Kee Hiong.

"The reception from voters is getting better, and I urge everyone to give this young and female candidate a chance to serve in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

"I will ensure that no citizen will be sidelined if given the opportunity to serve later," she said.

Meanwhile, Khairul assured that he would use the appropriate channels to ensure that the needs of the people received the attention of the Selangor state government if he won the by-election.

"We in the opposition have various ideas and ways to advocate for the people of Kuala Kubu Baharu.

"However, it depends on whether the people here can accept it or not because, as the opposition, we will do our best," he said.

He added that the final push of his campaign focuses on group speeches and meeting small groups of voters if there are any left to be met.

CONFIDENCE

Looking at both Pang and Khairul, both candidates were confident in winning based on their own foundations.

However, the real determinant of the KKB state assembly seat would ultimately lie in the hands of the voters in this area.

The KKB state assembly by-election, which sees a four-cornered fight, was held following the death of its incumbent, Lee, 58, on March 21 due to cancer.

The KKB state assembly has 40,226 registered voters, consisting of 39,362 ordinary voters, 625 police personnel, 238 military personnel and spouses, and one absentee voter residing overseas.