NIBONG TEBAL: Dr Joohari Ariffin has been having just three hours of sleep each day over the past week.
The 60-year-old former teacher, who goes to bed around 2am and wakes up by 5am, has been going through this gruelling routine as he campaigns for the Sungai Bakap state by-election on July 6.
Joohari, from PKR and representing Pakatan Harapan, is in a straight fight against Abidin Ismail, the Perikatan Nasional candidate and Nibong Tebal PAS deputy chief.
Reflecting on his intensive campaign, which began immediately after his nomination last Saturday, Joohari said, “So far, I have met over 50% of the voters.”
He shared this while greeting traders at the Sungai Duri night market yesterday, Bernama reported.
Accompanying Joohari on the campaign trail at the night market was PKR Wanita chief and Nibong Tebal MP Fadhlina Sidek, who is also the Education Minister.
Sungai Bakap is one of the three state constituencies in the Nibong Tebal parliamentary constituency, with the other two being Jawi and Sungai Acheh.
Joohari, affectionately known as Cikgu Joo, expressed his commitment to continue meeting voters, despite having to sacrifice his regular sleeping hours to ensure the smooth operation of the unity government’s campaign machinery.
“At least 12 programmes are lined up every day. During the weekends, there will be double the number of programmes,” he said.
To maintain his energy levels, Joohari says he has been taking supplements.
“I will continue to meet as many voters as possible up to July 5,” he added.
Joohari said he received encouraging response from voters, particularly from Malay women voters.
“The campaign has been progressing positively. Voters we have met have expressed their trust in us, and I believe this ongoing momentum will bring us victory.
“We understand that some may not support us, but we listen to their grievances. Addressing these issues is a priority. We are ranking the issues for resolution according to priority once the by-election is over,” he said.
The by-election was called following the death of PAS assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
