Zahid shares stage with BN, Amanah leaders to start Pulai campaign

PULAI BY-ELECTION | BN leaders tonight kicked off the election campaign machinery of Pakatan Harapan’s Pulai candidate Suhaizan Kayat, ahead of nomination day tomorrow.

Assembled at Kompleks Mohamed Rahmat in Pulai were Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Johor Umno chief Khaled Nordin, and Pulai Umno chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

They were joined by Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and Johor Harapan chief Aminolhuda Hassan on the main stage, together with Suhaizan.

In their speeches, the three Umno leaders reminded the gathered BN members of how the political situation has changed since the 15th general election after the coalition entered into a new alliance to form the government with Harapan and others.

Zahid recalled how nine months ago Harapan leaders were “allergic” to BN’s blue, but noted how Aminolhuda - a striking figure in Amanah’s bright orange colour - was present alongside Suhaizan and others tonight.

“I’ll be honest, I used to hate him,” quipped Zahid, addressing Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar who was in the audience.

“But now we open a new chapter in the spirit of the unity government,” he added.

Midway through his speech, Zahid also announced the arrival of Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

“Tonight is the first time he (Mohamad) is wearing the ‘dacing’ (scales) symbol on his chest,” quipped Zahid in reference to Mohamad’s vest that had both Harapan and BN logos.

Two-thirds majority at stake

Zahid stressed that the federal government may lose its two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat if Suhaizan failed to defend the seat vacated due to the death of its incumbent, the late Salahuddin Ayub.

“In Parliament, we have 148 seats, which means we have enough for a two-thirds majority. A strong government.

“To lose one seat (Pulai) means we will lose that majority,” said Zahid, pointing out that with a two-thirds majority, the BN-Harapan government can easily pass amendments to the Federal Constitution, as well as redelineation of electoral borders, if the need arises.

Meanwhile, Nur Jazlan said Suhaizan is no stranger to Pulai, having contested twice in Kempas - one of two state seats under the Pulai parliamentary constituency - the other being Perling.

While admitting he never imagined BN would one day cooperate with “arch enemies” Harapan, Nur Jazlan said he has set aside any personal reservations on the matter.

“I was badly ‘attacked’ until I lost (against the late Salahuddin). I should be the one who faced the most difficulties in accepting this (cooperation).

“But I have kept my feelings to myself, and I will work to ensure the victory of our candidate,” said the Umno supreme council member.

Umno supreme council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed

He also said that while the combined votes received in GE15 by himself and the late Salahuddin could indicate a victory for Suhaizan, the party machinery should not remain complacent.

“Because this is a by-election and in a by-election, voters may not be as interested to come out and vote,” he added.

Khaled also called on party machinery to convince voters in Pulai as well as Simpang Jeram to not “waste their votes” by electing a representative who does not represent parties in the state or federal government.

“Don’t waste a vote by electing someone who will not be able to connect them (voters) to the state or federal government,” said the former Johor menteri besar.

In Pulai, Suhaizan is expected to go up against Perikatan Nasional’s Zulkifli Jaafar, and at least one independent who has indicated intentions to run for the seat. - Mkini