PAHANG Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail will lead the Barisan Nasional (BN) election machinery following his appointment as BN director for the Pelangai by-election.

BN chairman Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made the announcement after accompanying the coalition’s candidate for the by-election, Amizar Abu Adam, to the nomination centre at Felda Kemasul Community Hall today.

Emphasising that BN should not be complacent and too confident in defending the BN stronghold, the deputy prime minister said the machinery must work hard and take extraordinary measures to win voters’ support.

“Even though on paper we already have a majority of more than 4,000 on our side through the late Johari Harun and more than 2,000 through the Pakatan Harapan candidate in the last general election, we cannot take things for granted.

“Our opponents who have gathered here are taking the approach of giving ceramah in small groups so we need to out do them in increasing voter engagement and we must meet the constituents here face-to-face,” he told reporters.

In November last year, Johari won with a 4,048-vote majority when he secured 7,308 votes, to defeat Perikatan Nasional candidate Kasim Samat (3,260), Ahmed Wafiuddin from Pakatan Harapan (2,031) and Pejuang candidate Isa Ahmad (65).

In thanking all friends in the unity government for their support to the BN candidate in Pelangai, Zahid said he was confident Amizar would be able to continue the legacy of the Pelangai incumbent.

“Our candidate is popular among the people of Pelangai and he is also from a Felda family (Felda Chemomoi). I believe he will be able to continue the services Johari had been providing here,” he said.

The Pelangai by-election will see a three-cornered battle among Asmizar, Kasim and Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli.

The by-election was called following the death of Johari, 53, in a plane crash in Shah Alam, Selangor on August 17.

The Election Commission has set October 7 for polling while early voting will be on October 3.

Meanwhile, Zahid said Haslihelmy has been stripped of his Bentong Umno Youth membership after contesting as an Independent candidate in the by-election. – Bernama, September 23, 2023.