KUANTAN: One of the most unexpected outcomes of the 15th General Election (GE15) was the defeat of three-term incumbent Fuziah Salleh (pic), who lost her Kuantan parliamentary seat to little-known Wan Razali Wan Nor from Perikatan Nasional.
From the get-go when tallying of the ballots started, PAS' Wan Razali took the lead among the four candidates and never lost momentum, winning with 25,514 votes for a majority of 2,866.
In congratulating Wan Razali, Pahang Pakatan Harapan chairman Fuziah said she respected the mandate of the people and hoped that the country would now be set back on the right path to recovery in many aspects.
ALSO READ: GE15: An emotional Wan Razali says he did not expect to win Kuantan
"Let us all reject the politics of hatred, racial incitement, corruption and abuse of power. Don't let religious and racist rhetoric disrupt the harmony of our many races.
"Remember, what we chose today will determine our future," she said in a social media post on Sunday (Nov 20) night.
"A million thanks to the 22,648 voters who gave (Pakatan) Harapan their votes for Kuantan. I would like to congratulate Wan Razali, who has been elected Member of Parliament.
"I wish him the best, and may he carry out his responsibility righteously and successfully," she added.
Fuziah held the Kuantan seat since March 2008 when she won it on a PKR ticket.
ALSO READ: Battle for Kuantan boils down to two heavyweights
In the Pakatan Harapan Federal Government from 2018 until its fall in 2020, she served as deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs.
She was also the chief of Wanita PKR from 2020 to this year.
Throughout the campaign period, Fuziah seemed confident that she would retain the seat, acknowledging that she could face competition from Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Ab Hamid Mohd Nazahar.
Wan Razali's victory must have come as a surprise as she had earlier said PAS was not a strong contender there.
The fourth candidate was Mejar (Rtd) Anuar Tajuddin from Pejuang.
In her post, Fuziah also thanked the Pakatan team for its unwavering support and hard work.
ALSO READ: Barisan stronghold of Pahang appears to be shaky
"I want to thank the leadership, as well as all levels of the machinery – the officers, volunteers and supporters who worked hard, sacrificing days and nights just to campaign for Harapan.
"I accept this defeat with an open heart. I respect the mandate given by the people and pray that our country will be set back on the right path so our economy can recover, the people’s welfare taken care of, children's education given priority and, especially, that the harmony of Malaysians is safeguarded.
"When we compete in any race, we are ready to win or lose. But the spirit of reformation remains in my soul," she said.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
