My work starts now, says Chini polls winner Sharim

Mohd Sharim Md Zain meets armed forces veteran Ahmad Abu, 61, during his election campaign at Felda Chini. (Bernama pic)

PEKAN: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Mohd Sharim Md Zain, who won the Chini by-election with a thumping majority last night, wants to ensure that no one in the constituency is left behind.

Stating that his “time to work” had begun as soon as the results were announced, Sharim, 41, added that his main mission was to resolve the problems faced by his constituents and that he would meet with local community leaders to do so.

Sharim, a second-generation settler from Felda Chini 3, acknowledged that he was still a rookie in politics, but was ready to learn. He said he intended to make Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Pekan MP Najib Razak his mentors.

“Alhamdulillah, it all ended well for BN. Now is the time to learn and work. I urge to be given the time to adjust (to my new role) as I had never even dreamed of being picked (as a candidate) before this.

“However, I promise to do my best, and ask everyone to pray for me to continue the struggle,” he said.

Sharim thanked the voters for the landslide 12,650-vote majority, which he said was beyond his expectations. He said this would not have been possible if those staying outstation did not return home to vote.

He also thanked PAS for its cooperation under Muafakat Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, saying it had worked tirelessly for the past two weeks to secure victory for BN.

“The spirit of solidarity has been fruitful as BN won with a huge majority. This proves that nothing is impossible if we all work together,” he said.

Sharim defeated independents Tengku Zainul Hisham Hussin and Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli, who received 1,222 and 137 votes, respectively. Both the independent candidates lost their deposits. - FMT