Former Pahang MB: Uncertainty reigns in Pelangai by-election

THE upcoming Pelangai by-election remains shrouded in uncertainty, with former Pahang menteri besar Tan Sri Adnan Yaakob expressing difficulty in predicting whether the favour will tip in favour of Barisan Nasional (BN) or Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Adnan, who served eight terms as the Pelangai assemblyperson, cited the indecisiveness of voters as a significant factor in this unpredictability.

“I have gone down to campaign the last three days, and God willing, tomorrow (today), I will campaign as well.

“A lot of people I meet say the chances of them voting are 50-50 (for BN and PN). They are still uncertain about who to support. Thus, I’m unable to predict who will emerge victorious on polling day,” Berita Harian quoted Adnan as saying yesterday (Oct 5).

Both BN and PN have been focusing on national issues rather than addressing local concerns, adding that the campaigns have largely overlooked grassroots issues that resonate with the local populace, according to Adnan.

Moreover, he highlighted that despite their efforts, the campaign machinery of both parties has not reached every household in the Pelangai constituency.

“We have yet to cover every house (in the constituency). I also notice that the ceramah are all focused on ‘big’ issues that hardly matter to the laymen.”

Pelangai seat was left vacant after the unfortunate demise of BN’s Johari Harun in a plane crash on Aug 17, triggering this by-election. The outcome of this election is anticipated to send a powerful message to the losing party, with Adnan emphasising the importance of selecting a leader who genuinely represents the people.

If UMNO loses, it must work harder to expand its influence. The same goes for PN.

“What matters is choosing a leader to represent the people. The state government will still be led by (Menteri Besar) Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, and God-willing, BN will regain the (Pelangai) seat,” he said.

In the previous 15th General Election, BN secured 16 state seats in Pahang, while PN claimed 17.

However, BN managed to form the state government through a cooperation agreement with Pakatan Harapan, which held eight seats in the state legislative assembly. – Oct 6, 2023

 

Main photo credit: Bernama

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