A WIN for Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate in the Sungai Bakap by-election this Saturday is crucial for the coalition government as it will positively reflect the cooperation between PH and Barisan Nasional, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The BN chairman said the coalition was committed to maintaining good cooperation as PH had previously assisted them in several by-elections and state elections.

“A victory in Sungai Bakap is very important for the coalition government in Penang and also for the image of the unity government at the national level.

“(So) I appeal to the voters to give their support to our candidate and, God willing, if he is elected, the people of Sungai Bakap will benefit greatly as he will work alongside the state government, which is also under the unity government,” he said at the “Malam Kasih Bersama Pemimpin” event at Dewan Khairat Sungai Kechil last night, reported Bernama.

The Umno president said if the victory favoured PH this Saturday, he promised to assist coalition government candidate Joohari Ariffin in bringing various necessities, including basic amenities, to the residents of Sungai Bakap.

“It would be a great loss if voters choose another candidate because that candidate would not be aligned with the state and federal government, which is why our (BN’s) dedication to work is clear.

“We are confident that when the by-election occurs in the Nenggiri state constituency later, they (PH) can also assist us as a sign of our mutual cooperation to mobilise the machinery from the component parties in the unity government to ensure our (BN) candidate’s victory,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Zahid said PH’s victory in the by-election would also be a “gift” to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was born in Sungai Bakap.

He also noted a need to continue the construction of the stalled Tamil national-type school in Sungai Bakap.

“I have discussed this matter with the education minister (Fadhlina Sidek), and God willing, the requests of the Indian community will be fulfilled if Cikgu Joo (Joohari) wins,” he said.

The Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6 will see Joohari challenged by Nibong Tebal PAS vice-chairman Abidin Ismail representing Perikatan Nasional in a one-on-one contest.

The by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation. – July 4, 2024.