Sg Bakap polls: Supporters of both sides make final push on last day of campaigning

NIBONG TEBAL: Supporters from both sides in the Sungai Bakap by-election are counting down with a last push to campaign for their candidates before polling on Saturday (July 6).

Hundreds lined the roads, brandishing placards and banners, while others waved party flags at passing cars.

Vehicles adorned with party logos drove by, flags waving from windows and pickup truck beds as they made their rounds.

In areas where supporters of both parties confronted each other, booing and jeering ensued but remained under control due to a strong police presence.

Motorists, caught up in the high spirits and enthusiasm, honked and waved back in support.

This by-election will see Perikatan Nasional’s Abidin Ismail, 56, engaged in a straight fight with Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Joohari Ariffin, 60.

At the Pakatan Harapan ceramah outside C-Mart Supermarket in Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Joohari pledged to voters that he do his best to serve if elected.

He was also seen greeting and receiving hugs from some of the 300 supporters present.

The by-election is held following the death of the incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

A total 39,151 voters are eligible to vote.

The seat was traditionally a stronghold of Barisan Nasional, first held by its component party Gerakan from 1974 to 2004 followed by Umno from 2004 to 2008. Gerakan left Barisan in 2018.

Pakatan Rakyat’s Datuk Maktar Shapee of PKR wrested the seat from Barisan in 2008.

He defended the seat and won in 2013, before party colleague Datuk Amar Pritmal Abdullah succeeded him in 2018 under the Pakatan Harapan banner.

PKR’s three-term reign came to an end in the state elections last year, as Norhidayah Che Ros lost the seat to the late Nor Zamri with a 1,563 majority.

The by-election is the eighth since the 15th General Election.

Previous by-elections included the Kuala Terengganu and Kemaman parliamentary seats (Terengganu); the Simpang Jeram state and Pulai parliamentary seats (Johor); the Pelangai state seat (Pahang); the Jepak state seat (Sarawak); and the Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat (Selangor).