PERIKATAN Nasional is fielding Abidin Ismail of PAS in the Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the businessman was the ideal choice because he was personal assistant to the incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff, who died last month.
Tuan Ibrahim said he was a local community leader, having served as the PAS Nibong Tebal area vice-chairman, and was active in religious activities.
"We are confident he can do the job well if elected. We hope the Sungai Bakap voters will retain our candidate," he said today in Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Simpang Ampat.
Abidin, 56, was born and raised in Sungai Duri, he said.
It is learnt that the earlier leading contender – local religious teacher Zul Azhar Mohamed – had opted out of the contest as he would need to give up his job in a government school if he won.
Abidin will face Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin, a teacher.
Nomination for the by-election is on June 22.
Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, of PAS, said inflation is expected to take centrestage on the campaign trail.
Fawwaz expects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to campaign for PH because he was born in Sungai Bakap.
It has been reported that Anwar would stay out of the way even though he is a Penang boy.
Political observer Rahmad Isahak predicted a close fight with PAS having an edge. He said the voters are unhappy over the high cost of living and the empty promises of the government.
The latest voter registration showed there are 39,279 voters in the constituency, 39,222 of whom are regular voters and 57 police personnel.
In the election last August, Malays made up 59.36% of the voters, Chinese (22.54%), Indians (17.39%), and other ethnicities (0.71%). – June 16, 2024.
