A PKR leader has invited to Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor for a friendly football match in Sungai Bakap this Sunday given that the latter is not interested in discussing infrastructure issues with the federal government.
Speaking during the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sungai Bakap campaign rally on Sunday (June 23) night, PKR strategy director Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir hoped that the game will encourage young voters to take an interest in issues faced by the state constituency as they gear up for the state by-election on July 6.
“Because if we invite him to debate, he doesn’t want to listen. If we invite him to discuss issues, he’s not interested,” Akmal was reported as saying.
The deputy energy transition and water transformation minister said this in response to PN’s narrative of playing up the water supply issue in Sungai Bakap to engage the constituents, saying the Kedah menteri besar is a hypocrite as the latter is facing similar issues in his own state.
Akmal further stressed that his presence in Sungai Bakap was not just for political campaigning as he will be heading to Kedah to visit unfinished water treatment plant projects in the state.
He also expressed concern over the delay in the completion of certain water treatment plants under the PAS-led state government’s oversight despite being given deadline extensions.
“So, I want to openly extend my invitation to Sanusi to join me in my visit tomorrow (later today),” he stated, proposing a joint inspection of the facilities.
Residents of Sungai Bakap have been plagued with water supply disruptions, particularly in the Mukim 5 area, for the past six years, with the issue being a key focus for the candidates in the upcoming polls.
It was reported on May 5 that the Perak government has agreed to supply water to Penang through the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park to Seberang Perai, with the first phase reaching Seberang Perai including Nibong Tebal and Sungai Bakap.
On this matter, Akmal said the federal government has pledged to address the issues plaguing the residents of Sungai Bakap regardless of the outcome of the forthcoming by-election, adding that the government’s dedication to resolving the issue is not contingent on electoral success.
“We will never threaten (the people) … And we will not force voters to vote for our candidate. Even if our candidate is not elected, we will still help the people here,” he remarked.
The Election Commission has set July 6 as polling day for the Sungai Bakap by-election while early voting will be on July 2.
The Sungai Bakap seat, with 39,279 voters comprising 39,222 ordinary voters and 57 police officers, fell vacant following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff from PAS on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
In the state election last year, Nor Zamri, who was Nibong Tebal PAS vice-chief, beat PH candidate Nurhidayah Che Ros by a majority of 1,563 votes. – June 24, 2024
