THE compatibility of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) machinery is more evident in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections, Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh said.

Akmal said Umno Youth showed more commitment to the pact in the by-elections than it did in the recent elections in six states, putting to bed accusations that Johor BN rejected the PH candidate in Pulai, Suhaizan Kaiat.

He said Umno Youth is fully behind Suhaizan.

“Although it is the first time that BN is not contesting in the Pulai seat, in the spirit of our unity, we stand behind the PH candidate.

“Compatibility between machinery is also improving day by day, and this momentum will continue until September 9 (polling day),” he said at a ceramah with Suhaizan in Taman Cempaka, Kempas, Johor Baru, last night.

Akmal said the BN machinery will talk to its grassroots about the workings of the unity government, in the hopes that a better understanding of the pact will translate into votes for the PH candidate.

In the Pulai parliamentary by-election, Suhaizan faces a three-cornered fight with PN’s Zulkifli Jaafar and Independent Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi.

The Pulai and Simpang Jeram seats fell vacant following the death of Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.

Polling is on September 9. – Bernama, August 29, 2023.