Datuk Amizar Abu Adam (centre) with (from left) Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Pahang state assembly speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and several Barisan leaders were celebrating the victory at the tallying centre in Felda Kemansul last night (Oct 7).
PETALING JAYA: The outcome of the Pelangai by-election showed there was no green wave advancing in Pahang, says Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Instead, it showed there was only the blue-and-red wave, which was increasingly being accepted by Malaysians, he said in reference to the colours of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, respectively.
“Well done and congratulations! This is a sign that there is no green wave in the state of Pahang and that there is only the blue-and-red wave that Malaysians are increasingly accepting,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, in a statement yesterday.He also thanked voters and congratulated Barisan candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam for winning the seat.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who is also Pahang Barisan chairman, was also congratulated for his role in ensuring the win.
“I would like to thank the entire Barisan machinery as well as my friends in the unity government, the machinery from the states,” he said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also congratulated Amizar for winning Pelangai.
“He (Amizar) is the best candidate for Pelangai, and I’m confident that he will work hard for the locals and bring the voices of Pelangai to the Pahang state assembly,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dr Wee paid tribute to the Barisan machinery for working relentlessly throughout the campaigning period.
“Also, appreciation to Pahang MCA chairman Datuk Seri Hoh Khai Mun and the Bentong MCA division chairman, Datuk Kang Meng Fuat, as they both led the MCA machinery for the Pelangai by-election,” said Dr Wee.
“Thank you to the Election Commission officers, security and medical team, as well as those who are involved in ensuring that this by-election runs smoothly.”
In BENTONG, Wan Rosdy said politicians playing up issues on race, religion and royalty (3R) were rejected by voters, who were more interested to know what candidates could offer.
“I believe 3R issues do not have a place in the hearts of Pelangai and Pahang voters.
“People in Pahang want to see how leaders can bring about prosperity,” he said when met by reporters at the tallying centre in the Felda Kemansul hall yesterday.
Wan Rosdy said the Barisan-led state government has various people-centric policies such as the Bantuan Prihatin Pahang and several housing projects for next-generation Felda settlers.
“That is why in our campaigns, we always told voters what we could offer rather than playing up sentiment and hurling slander,” he added.
Also among the factors contributing to Barisan’s victory, he said, was the legacy left by former assemblyman Datuk Johari Harun.
“They felt Johari’s touch and they wanted Barisan leaders to continue his legacy,” said Wan Rosdy.
With the conclusion of the by-election yesterday, he added that it was time for locals in Pelangai to set aside their political differences.
“Let’s unite again and this is the time for us to figure out how we can work together to help Pelangai,” he said.
Armiza, the by-election victor, said he was surprised by the high voter turnout in Pelangai.
“This is extraordinary and it shows that our people are wise in making decisions. This is a very good attitude,” he said.
He also thanked voters and Barisan for placing him as a candidate in Pelangai.
“Thank you to voters for choosing Barisan as the coalition that will serve this locality,” he said.
Armiza won with 7,324 votes, a 2,949-vote majority against Perikatan’s Kasim Samat with 4,375, followed by Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli who garnered 47 votes.
Voter turnout in Pelangai was 72.12%.
Pelangai has 16,371 registered voters and Johari previously won the seat with a 4,048-vote majority in 2022 during GE15.
