Mohd Zaidi wins Slim by 10,945 votes

TANJUNG MALIM: Barisan Nasional’s Mohd Zaidi Aziz won the Slim by-election with a massive 10,945-vote majority in a three-cornered fight.

As the count progressed at the vote-tallying centre at Dewan Sri Tanjong in the Tanjung Malim District Council building, it was clear that Mohd Zaidi had a commanding lead over his rivals – Independent candidates Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi, who is representing the yet-to-be registered Parti Pejuang Tanahair, and former teacher Dr S. Santharasekaran.

Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Barisan won all 13 district polling stations (PDM) in Slim.

He said the results showed they won back the six PDM they lost during the 14th General Election.

“It’s all thanks to the support and hard work of those involved.

“This shows the voters have missed us, ” he said at the Barisan by-election command centre here last night.

He said the results would help Barisan in the coming Sabah state election or if GE15 is held.

“We will remain calm and continue to work hard to gain back the support from the people, ” he added.

Mohd Zaidi polled 13,060 votes. Amir Khusyairi and Dr Santharasekaran polled 2,115 and 276 votes respectively. There were 327 spoilt votes.

Ahmad Zahid reminded Mohd Zaidi to carry out his duties diligently as the new state assemblyman.“He needs to give his best service to the people as what was done by the late Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib, ” he added.

There are about 23,000 voters in the Slim state constituency.

The by-election was called following the death of its four-term assemblyman Mohd Khusairi of Barisan from a heart attack on July 15.

The Election Commission had earlier targeted for an 85% voter turnout.

According to the EC, voter turnout as at 3pm was 60%.

Meanwhile, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the party was thankful for the overwhelming support Barisan Nasional received during the Slim by-election.

He said Barisan has scored an even higher majority compared to the 14th General Election and described the win as a great victory.

“We have won beautifully in all 13 district polling centres, including the six we lost in the last general election, ” he said, here yesterday.

He added that Barisan’s Mohd Zaidi Aziz bigger majority showed Muafakat Nasional was acceptable to the people.

Dr Mah also noted independent Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi was supported by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and yet he still lost.

He added Barisan will continue to do its best to serve the people and hoped to gain even greater support.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong congratulated Mohd Zaidi for securing the huge win.

He also thanked the voters for giving Barisan the opportunity to provide its service to the constituency.

“Congratulations and thank you to all Barisan, PAS, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and friends of BN machinery for your hard work throughout the campaign period, ” he said on Facebook shortly after Mohd Zaidi was declared the winner. Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said claims of Umno being irrelevant were inaccurate.

“We will continue to use the ‘dacing’ (scale) symbol in the Sabah state elections.

“As early as Monday the party president and I will be heading to Sabah and we will ensure Barisan and our other allies win.

“The victory in Slim is a great encouragement for the Barisan machinery to win Sabah, ’’ he said.

When met after he was announced the winner of the by-election, Mohd Zaidi said the victory was not a surprise following the strong support from both PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

“I am truly thankful to everyone and every party for their support and cooperation, ’’ he said.

He said will visit the voters today and thank them for their support.