Pelangai by-election: BN confident repeating success like in Tioman

BENTONG - The opposition's efforts in tainting the minds of Pelangai state voters by denying the government's efforts in the area did not affect the support for Barisan Nasional (BN).

Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he was confident that the party could defend the Pelangai state seat and repeat the success it gained in the Tioman by-election although it lacked certain things.

He said BN must work hard to make it happen as the opponents were seen attempting to deny voters support for BN.

“We will defend Pelangai as we are confident that voters here were close to BN. They want the best service from an assemblyman who was with the state and central governments.

“I hope that Pelangai voters are smart like the voters in Pulai and Simpang Jeram who had chosen a representative who could continue the previous services.

“I hope they reject candidates who provide services which are not in line with Putrajaya and Pahang,” he said in a press conference after officiating the MyFuture Jobs Career Carnival with Hawa Malaysia at Felda Chemomoi here, today.

The Pelangai state seat was declared vacant following the death of its incumbent from BN Datuk Seri Johari Harun who was involved in a tragic aircraft crash at Elmina, Shah Alam, Selangor on Aug 17.

The Pelangai state by-election will witness a three-corner clash between BN, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and an independent candidate

Meanwhile, Zahid reminded Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Sanusi Md Nor not to be too busy campaigning and focus on the flood issues happening in the state.

“I’m confident he would give the best service for the flood victims. Don’t be so nosy here and there and take care of your own people.

“I hope Pelangai voters did not keep it in their hearts the issues he brought up, although I know there were efforts on his end to bring the issue of settlers’ background to bring negativity to Putrajaya and Pahang governments,” he said.

He hope Sanusi would address the issue involving the 1,452 flood victims involving 400 families as best as he could.

Zahid said efforts to create a commercial bank branch in Pelangai as what the residents wanted was being managed by the state government.

“They have appealed to the MB for a commercial bank and we have managed a commercial bank branch to help the people in Pelangai to perform transactions. Not just having ATM machines,” he said.