Sanusi: PN aims for victory, even by a single vote

BIDOR - Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has expressed cautious optimism for Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) performance in the Ayer Kuning state by-election.

While acknowledging a significant wave of support for the coalition, he highlighted the daunting task of bridging the 18,000-vote gap against their opponents.

"I see a significant wave towards PN, but I also see that whether that wave can overcome the 18,000-vote gap remains to be seen. They (Barisan Nasional) have a target of 18,000, don’t they?

"It’s a challenging thing, actually. So whether the wave we’ve created can overturn the fixed deposit on their side is uncertain. I hope it can," he said after a kabaddi friendly match with teams from Kedah and Perak at Taman Permai Bidor, here, today.

He emphasised that PN’s ultimate goal was to secure victory, regardless of the margin.

"PN's target is to win even by just one vote. It doesn’t matter how many votes there are in total in this election. Even one vote is enough. Crossing the victory line is sufficient, no matter the margin," he added.

Sanusi detailed the coalition’s efforts to reach diverse voter groups while avoiding divisive rhetoric.

Overall, he revealed that PN has made every effort and worked hard to reach all voter groups without raising sensitive issues between the different ethnic groups of voters here.

"There are many ethnicities, but we have focused on important issues, whether local or outside the voting area, as all of them will have an impact or influence," he said.

Sanusi also called for voters to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

He said it was important for guidance to be based on knowledge and truthful information and urged voters not to make mistakes in the election due to misleading claims.

Expressing satisfaction with the campaign’s execution, Sanusi commended the contributions of PN’s machinery and supporters.

"I am satisfied with the overall campaign carried out by all the machinery — the youth wing, the women’s wing, the main machinery, the candidate’s own team, their family, friends and associates.

"Everyone has helped as much as they could and we leave it to Allah SWT to determine the outcome, whether we win or lose," he said.

The Ayer Kuning constituency will be having its eleventh by-election tomorrow, which involves a three-cornered contest between Barisan Nasional candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, PN candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek and Bawani KS from Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

The by-election was called following the death of its incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin on Feb 22 due to a heart attack.