Don't take Pelangai by-election lightly – Zahid

BENTONG - Barisan Nasional (BN) does not take the competition with Perikatan Nasional (PN) lightly in Pelangai by-election despite having a comfortable majority in the past 15th General Election (GE15).

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that because of that, the machinery is reminded to redouble its efforts and take the appropriate approach to ensure that Pelangai state seat remained BN's.

"Don't take it lightly. Previously, Datuk Seri Johari got a majority of over 4,000 and PH (Pakatan Harapan) candidate at the time got over 2,000.

"On paper, we had more than 6,000 votes, but never be too confident as the opponent had settled down here and used an approach of not doing massive ceramah.

"We must make some moves to reach out to voters in Pelangai," he said at the Nomination Centre for Pelangai by-election at Dewan Orang Ramai Felda Kemasul today.

In the meantime, Zahid said that unusual methods would be used to meet the wishes of voters in the state assembly to ensure victory like the previous one in Simpang Jeram.

He said that the effort would also be driven by compatibility among other parties in the unity government.

"BN has high hopes that the candidate we choose will be among the Pelangai people and he is also a Felda child," he said.

The Pelangai by-election was held following the death of its incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun in a plane crash in Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam on Aug 17.