Sg Bakap polls: Unity coalition the underdog, says Chow

NIBONG TEBAL: The unity coalition will be entering the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election as the underdog, says Penang Pakatan Harapan chairman Chow Kon Yeow.

"All of us have to remember that we lost the Sungai Bakap by-election last August (during the six-state elections)," Chow said in his speech during the launch of the unity coalition election machinery here on Sunday (June 9).

Its component party PKR had won the constituency back in 2008.

The Penang Chief Minister stated that it is imperative for all party members in the unity coalition to approach the Sungai Bakap by-election with seriousness, as it poses a significant challenge.

Despite the challenges, party leaders remain optimistic.

Chow said he believes that with a strong campaign focused on unity and solidarity, the unity coalition will have a fighting chance to win back the seat from Perikatan Nasional.

"The campaign strategy will focus on maintaining the momentum of solidarity and togetherness displayed by the party leaders during recent gatherings.

“If this spirit is sustained throughout the campaign, there is a strong belief within the party that reclaiming the seat from Perikatan is achievable," he said.

The Sungai Bakap state seat became vacant following the death of Nor Zamri Latiff, 56, a first-term assemblyman, on May 24.

Based on Election Commission records from the last state election, the Sungai Bakap constituency has 38,409 voters, with the majority being Malays (59.36%), followed by Chinese (22.54%), Indians (17.39%) and others (0.71%).

The Election Commission announced that polling is set for July 6, with Nomination Day on June 22.

The Nibong Tebal PAS chief secured 15,433 votes in the August 2023 state election, defeating Pakatan Harapan's Nurhidayah Che Rose.