By Sofia Nasir and Norrasyidah Arshad
HULU SELANGOR, May 10 — Selangor Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) is confident that the Unity Government candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election Pang Sock Tao will be able to secure victory in tomorrow’s poll.
Its chairman Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this is based on the result of a survey conducted by the coalition machinery throughout the campaigning period, which started on April 27.
“Our campaign is progressing well. Based on the survey data, we’re confident about retaining Kuala Kubu Baharu.
“I just hope voters will come out in the morning or afternoon to cast their ballot considering it is forecast to rain in the evening during polling day on Saturday,” he told reporters after attending the Ceramah Mega Perpaduan Grand Finale at the Kuala Kubu Baharu Mini Stadium last night.
Among those present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and other top party leadership from the Unity Government.
Amirudin, who is Selangor Menteri Besar, said the election machinery will double up its effort to draw support in the last day of campaigning today, while expressing his gratitude over the cooperation shown by the different parties in the Unity Government throughout campaigning.
“Compared to previously, the number of people on the ground campaigning is way bigger this time. This is possible because there is consensus among the leaders. Every party is leading their respective machinery, and I am delighted to see those efforts.”
Earlier in his speech, Amirudin described Pang’s manifesto as one that focuses on ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
The Gombak MP said the manifesto is not merely a document that seeks to secure votes, but also one that prioritises the well-being of the people, particularly focusing on bolstering the economy.
“When you consider the manifesto presented last week, it’s clear that she’s not only aiming to win but also to continue the legacy of the late Lee Kee Hiong.
“She also ensures the well-being of both present and future generations. This is the type of leader we aspire to elect — someone who is knowledgeable and accountable. This is unlike those who evade questions, particularly regarding education and debt,” he said, ostensibly referring to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Khairul Azhari Saut.
“When asked about his education (background), the response is often ‘I don’t know’. I fear if he is elected, he will reply ‘I don’t know’ to everything in the state legislative assembly.
Pang faces a four-cornered fight in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election as she looks to defend the seat for the Unity Government.
Other than Azhari, the two other candidates are Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s (PRM) Hafizah Zainudin and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.
The by-election was triggered following Lee’s death on March 21, after her years-long battle with cancer. The late assemblyman first won the seat in 2013 and managed to successfully defend it for three consecutive terms.
During the state election last year, Lee won the seat with a 4,119 majority, garnering 14,862 total votes against PN’s Teoh Kien Hong (10,743 votes), Muda’s R. Siva Prakash (1,186 votes), and PRM’s Ch’ng Boon Lai (527 votes).
