KUALA TERENGGANU – The battleground is set, and the political arena in Kemaman, Terengganu, is poised for an interesting showdown.
Even in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds, Barisan Nasional (BN) is showing a resilient spirit by declaring its readiness to contest the Kemaman parliamentary seat.
While it is undeniable that victory may be elusive, the mere decision to enter the fray speaks volumes about BN’s commitment to its ideals and the path it seeks to tread.
BN’s resolve to contest this by-election, despite electoral setbacks in the state elections, is more than just a political move.
It should be viewed as a statement of faith in the democratic process, with the coalition or rather Umno trying to regain lost ground through the ballot and not through any other backdoor methods.
In politics, one cannot win every battle, but the willingness to step back into the arena even after defeat is a testament to a party’s commitment to its principles and to the very spirit of democracy.
In the 2022 general election, Kemaman stood as a stronghold for Perikatan Nasional (PN), delivering a significant victory with a majority of more than 27,700 votes.
However, the victory was short-lived as allegations of bribery emerged, leading to a court decision nullifying the results.
The upcoming by-election, therefore, is a fresh opportunity for the people of Kemaman to make their voices heard and for BN to demonstrate its resolve.
While the path to victory might seem challenging, BN’s primary goal should be to reduce the majority held by PN.
In politics, even the slightest shift in voter sentiment can bring about substantial changes. In this dynamic political arena, every vote cast carries the potential to reshape the direction of a nation.
A significant reduction in the majority will serve as a powerful message – a reminder that the people’s trust can be fragile and ever-changing.
It will also be a devastating blow to PN as they have been harping on the so-called demise of Umno as the Malays’ voice.
As such, PN is also expected to bring all their big guns to ensure their handsome majority. Talk of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad being fielded has also been making its rounds, although PAS has denied it.
Umno has won the Kemaman seat 13 times in the 15 parliamentary elections held there.
As such, voters should remember that politics is unpredictable, and that is what makes it so fascinating and vital.
Politics is not just about winning; it is about being there, on the ground, connecting with the people, understanding their concerns, and working towards solutions.
The Kemaman by-election shows that BN is signalling its unwavering commitment to a people-centric approach to politics.
Moreover, the willingness to compete even when the odds seem stacked against them is a sign of maturity in a political party.
It demonstrates that BN is not complacent or overconfident, but instead, it is ready to humbly learn from its past mistakes and adapt to the ever-evolving political challenges.
The choice of candidates and campaign strategy will play pivotal roles in this contest.
The people of Kemaman will be keenly observing the candidate selection process, and BN must ensure it represents their aspirations and concerns.
The issues that matter most to the people should be at the forefront of the campaign, and the party should be ready to listen and engage in meaningful dialogue.
It is not merely a political contest for BN but an opportunity to renew its relevance in the eyes of the electorate.
The past is just that – history. The future is what matters, and the Kemaman by-election provides a fresh opportunity to give a sense of renewal, resilience, and relevance. – The Vibes, October 17, 2023
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