FADILLAH Ali cuts a lonely figure in Kampung Rusila Dua in Terengganu.

She may be the only Umno supporter in the neighbourhood within the Marang parliamentary constituency.

“Nearly everyone here is a PAS member or supporter,” said the 42-year-old.

Fadillah’s situation makes clear the hold PAS has over Marang, indicating that the incumbent, Abdul Hadi Awang will likely sail in again on May 9.‎

Hadi faces Mohamad Nor Endut of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Dr Zarawi Sulong of Pakatan Harapan. The track record shows BN almost always triumphs when more than two candidates vie for a seat.

But in Marang, Hadi is king.

The only time PH’s presence was felt in the seat was on nomination day when its candidate filed his papers.     

“PH has no chance as long as Tok Guru Hadi is here. The coalition also has no branches in Marang,” said fruit seller Mamat Ghani, 69.

Marang has more than 104,000 voters in four state constituencies – Rhu Rendang, Bukit Payong, Alor Limbat and Pengkalan Berangan. PAS holds the first three and BN, the fourth.

Hadi was born in Marang and has stood for election there since it was a state constituency in 1986. He continued to contest the seat when Marang was upgraded to a parliamentary seat, and he has also been a contender for the Rhu Redang state seat where his extended family lives.

In the 2013 general election, Hadi retained the Marang parliamentary seat by over 5,100 votes.

BN’s Mohamad is unperturbed by Hadi’s stature and history in Marang because he says he can offer the voters better infrastructure and development.

PH’s Zarawi, however, knows he is the underdog.

“We’ll be meeting voters face to face instead of at big ceramah so that they can get to know us better.

“As the Quran says, small soldiers can defeat a big army if God wills it.” – April 30, 2018.