KLUANG: Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi claims that Barisan Nasional are the underdogs in the The Mahkota by-election on Sept 28 but added that it is too early to gauge voter sentiment.
"We are considered the underdogs and we will work hard to ensure victory for Barisan candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah," the Johor Mentri Besar said when asked about their campaigning efforts.
He was met by reporters during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's visit to Kem Mahkota here on Thursday (Sept 19).
He added that Barisan's campaigning activities have gone well so far. The Mahkota by-election campaign period has entered the sixth day since nomination day on Sept 14.
Syed Hussien, who is also Kluang Umno Youth chief, aims to retain the seat for Barisan, while Perikatan National has fielded 61-year-old Mohamad Haizan, a former Johor footballer.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
According to the Election Commission, the electoral roll for the by-election has 66,318 voters, consisting of 61,397 ordinary voters, 401 police personnel, 4,510 military personnel and their spouses and 10 absentee voters abroad.
Early voting is scheduled for Sept 24 and polling day is on Sept 28.
