FORMER Klang lawmaker Charles Santiago has called on voters in the Pulai parliamentary constituency to back Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) for the continued progress of the country. 

The DAP man urged voters not to fall for Perikatan National’s (PN) discordant rhetoric, which he said the coalition used persistently to gain support. 

He was referring to PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin’s ceramah remarks made in Johor yesterday urging voters to deny the federal government a two-thirds majority in Dewan Rakyat. 

“We see PN’s divisive rhetoric again, where Muhyiddin Yassin is using race as an element to win the by-election. 

“This in itself clearly shows PN would do anything to garner votes, even if it comes at the expense of national unity. This is dangerous for the country,” Santiago posted on X today. 

Santiago said PH-BN needed to win the Pulai parliamentary seat, formerly held by the late Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub, to keep a two-thirds majority.  

“This is so that the government can continue its progressive policies aimed at strengthening the economy and boosting investor confidence,” the National Water Service Commission chairman said.  

Santiago said Suhaizan Kayat, who is standing as the candidate for PH, is no stranger to Pulai. 

“He was the late Salahuddin’s political secretary and was entrusted to take care of the constituency.  

“Suhaizan is also familiar with the Rahmah concept and will continue doing good for the people,” he said.  

Hence, he urged the voters to cast their ballots wisely.  

In the last general election, Salahuddin won the Pulai parliamentary seat by a 33,174 vote-majority in a three-cornered battle, defeating BN’s Nur Jazlan Mohamed and PN’s Loh Kah Yong.  

He also won the Simpang Jeram state seat in a four-cornered fight by a 2,399-vote margin. 

Both seats will witness three-cornered contests involving PH, PN, and Independent candidates. – September 3, 2023.