BATANG KALI: Despite a possible low voter turnout on polling day this Saturday (May 11), Perikatan Nasional isn’t worried at all, because the PAS machinery has experience in convincing outstation voters to return and cast their ballots, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (pic).
According to the Terengganu Mentri Besar, the percentage of outstation voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) isn’t as big as the amount in Kelantan and Terengganu.
“We have experience in handling outstation voters and we will use that skill to convince KKB voters to return, as many of them don’t live far away, but in the vicinity.
“I believe that they (KKB outstation voters) will fulfil their responsibility,” Ahmad Samsuri told reporters after a Perikatan ceramah in Batang Kali on Sunday (May 5).
At the same time, Ahmad Samsuri also said Perikatan could win the KKB by-election as long as it comes up with solutions to the people’s issues and it ensured a high voter turnout rate, particularly among the Malays.
“The voter turnout rate must be very high, especially among Malay voters. God willing, we will win,” added Ahmad Samsuri.
Citing the analogy of a football league,Ahmad Samsuri said there’s always an advantage in being an underdog in an election, as the challenge often lies on the incumbent to maintain victory.
“It is difficult to defend a victory, and it is also challenging to win. So, we realise we are underdogs but we can re-strategise to ensure that we don’t repeat mistakes of the past,” added Ahmad Samsuri.
Ahmad Samsuri also said PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang will be campaigning in the KKB by-election on May 9 (Thursday).
“It is the second last day and the entire leadership had already chosen a date to come here, from nomination day till the end.
“Looking at the trend, maximum support is given by PAS,” said Ahmad Samsuri.
The KKB polls will see a four-cornered fight between Pakatan Harapan’s Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan’s Khairul Azhari Saut, Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Hafizah Zainudin, and Independent Nyau Ke Xin.
Early voting is on May 7 while polling is on May 11.
