Pelangai by-election: Chances of PN, BN winning are equal - Takiyuddin

BENTONG - The chances of Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) winning the Pelangai by-election are seen as equal, according to Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

However, he is optimistic about PN's advantage, given the impact of their late-stage campaign strategy in the remaining two days.

"We believe that the chances of winning the Pelangai by-election are about the same for us and BN.

"But we have a late surge, which I believe can give us an edge," he said when approached by reporters at the 'Pelangai Ready for Change' inaugural talk in Simpang Pelangai yesterday.

He said these while commenting on the percentage of a potential victory for PN candidate Kasim Samat as the campaign enters its final stages.

Takiyuddin also acknowledged that PN's campaign in Pelangai had received less attention, except for the inaugural talk attended by PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Tuesday.

However, based on voter feedback received on the ground, he expressed confidence that their efforts to capture the Pelangai State seat were quite promising.

"As we know, the campaign programmes in this area, which is not very exposed to urban areas, I don't think any party could attract attention," he said.

The Pelangai by-election became necessary after the seat was declared vacant following the tragic death of BN representative Datuk Seri Johari Harun in a light aircraft accident in Elmina, Shah Alam, Selangor on Aug 17.

PN is fielding the same candidate, Cikgu Kasim, who contested in the 15th General Election (GE15), while BN has nominated local candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, while another Independent candidate, Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli, is also contesting for the traditional Umno seat.