BARISAN Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he hoped Chinese voters will support Pakatan Harapan and its candidate, Suhaizan Kaiat, in the Pulai by-election, just like they supported the previous MP, the late Salahuddin Ayub.

He said Suhaizan deserves their support as he is a good candidate able to provide the best service for Pulai residents, having served as Salahuddin’s political secretary.

“I know the Chinese really supported Salahuddin. I want Suhaizan to also be supported by the Chinese people here in Pulai. He used to go against BN, and BN was against him. We were rivals but now we’re allies, so why should we fight? We’re now the unity government.

“Malays, Chinese, Indians and Sabahans and Sarawakians, he (Suhaizan) will help us all. I told him to help everyone as we’re ‘colourblind’. If there aren’t enough allocations, seek my help,” the deputy prime minister said during his speech to the Taman Perling Kuan Yin Devotees’ Association at Guan Yin Temple in Johor Bahru tonight, along with Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong and Pulai Umno division chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

He announced Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim approved an initial allocation of RM500,000 for an additional building for SJKC Poay Chai during the meeting, adding that Liew submitted an application for RM4 million for the school’s development.

“Liew informed me he had asked for a 70% turnout for Chinese voters on September 9. Now we’re allies, we want the unity government in Johor and Putrajaya to be the strongest governments in Malaysia,” Zahid said.

Zahid vowed BN would continue to support PH to ensure the government remains stable in terms of economy, education and job opportunities.

There are 166,632 registered voters in Pulai, with 40.46%, or 67,434, Chinese voters.

The Pulai by-election is a three-cornered fight between Suhaizan, Perikatan Nasional candidate Zulkifli Jaafar and Independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi. – Bernama, September 3, 2023.