PETALING JAYA – Amanah deputy president Datuk Mahfuz Omar has urged voters in Pelangai to take a page from Johoreans and reject all forms of hate politics.
He said voters in the recent Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections in Johor had sent a clear message that they support the unity government and are against any kind of politics that divides the people.
“I sincerely urge voters in Pelangai to continue supporting the unity government and come out in full force to cast their votes.
“Voters must not be duped by the opposition’s tactics to promote hatred and hostility and make the right decision,” he said.
The state seat became vacant following the death of Datuk Johari Harun, who perished in the Elmina plane crash on August 17.
He was among 10 people killed in the crash.
Nomination has been fixed for September 23 and both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) are expected to announce their candidates soon.
BN has to date identified six potential candidates and their names have been handed to coalition chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for consideration.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, meanwhile, said the party was expected to announce its candidate on September 20.
The party had submitted three names to the PAS Ulama Syura Council for consideration and finalisation.
“There is no room in this country for racial and religious issues and I strongly urge the voters in Pelangai to send a clear, strong message to the opposition,” said Mahfuz.
The late Johari, 53, who was also the Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment and Technology Committee chairman, won the Pelangai seat with a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating PN’s Kasim Samat, who obtained 3,260 votes; Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri (2,031 votes); and Pejuang’s Isa Ahmad (65 votes).
The Election Commission set polling day on October 7, with early voting on October 3. – The Vibes, September 28, 2023
