Sungai Bakap by-election: ‘This isn't party vs party, it's party vs govt machinery’ - Idris Ahmad

SHAH ALAM - Pas vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad says Perikatan Nasional's (PN) victory in the Sungai Bakap state by-election is not just a competition between parties but a battle against the government's machinery.

He said the by-election was not just a rivalry between two party leaders but a clear indication of PN's triumph over Pakatan Harapan (PH).

"We came down to fight in Sungai Bakap. This is not party vs party, this is party vs the government's machinery.

"The current generation is living in an age of open-mindedness, unlike the past when thoughts were less mature and less serious.

"This is evident in the resurgence of people advocating for progress, where today's politics diverge significantly from those of the past," he said after the announcement of PN candidate Abidin Ismail's victory in the Sungai Bakap state by-election, last night.

Idris pointed out that there was now zero tolerance for deceptive politics and unfulfilled promises.

He said the by-election indicated the electorate's increasing vigilance, reflecting evolving public expectations in Sungai Bakap.

He also expressed gratitude to the voters who backed Abidin, highlighting that the by-election sent a clear message to the ruling party.

He added that this demonstrated that the electorate can choose candidates who may appear modest but are effective, showcasing their 2S strategies "spirit and smart" in achieving success.

"Thank you to the people who supported Abidin in this election. Arguments from the opposition claiming that our party lacks equality, understanding, and unity are ineffective and cannot be used.

"The people of today live in an era of open-mindedness, unlike the past," he said.

Idris said that through the victory in the Sungai Bakap state by-election, PN would prioritise the people and address longstanding issues, particularly the water issue that PH failed to resolve.

PN retained the Sungai Bakap state seat through its candidate Abidin.

The Nibong Tebal Pas vice-chief won by a majority of 4,267 votes, polling 14,489 votes defeating PH candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin who obtained 10,222 votes.

The official results were announced by returning officer Khairulnizam Hashim at the vote-tallying centre at the Jawi Multipurpose Hall in Taman Desa Jawi in Nibong Tebal, last night.

Khairulnizam said the voter turnout was 63.45 per cent.

In the state election in August last year, Nibong Tebal Pas division chief Nor Zamri Latiff won the Sungai Bakap seat after defeating PH candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose by a majority of 1,563 votes.

The seat fell vacant following Zamri’s death on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.