PORT DICKSON: No one is resting on their laurels in the battle for the Linggi seat, including Barisan Nasional incumbent Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli and caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The seat, located about 36km from Seremban, is considered a Barisan stronghold, with the coalition having held it since 1974.
“We are entering the opponent’s bastion and require hard work to achieve victory.
“(Although) I have also served the people of Linggi in my capacity as Port Dickson MP, there is no reason to take it easy.
“The contest here is also not just about the candidates but also their machinery,” he said after nomination closed yesterday.
Aminuddin is contesting against Mohd Faizal and Datuk Zamri Md Said of Bersatu. In the 2023 state election, Mohd Faizal won with a 1,461-vote majority in a straight fight against Zamri.
The race in the Aug 1 polls intensified with Aminuddin joining the contest, turning it into a three-cornered fight.
Asked why he was switching from Sikamat, which he had held for four consecutive terms, to Linggi, Aminuddin said he needed to help Pakatan capture more seats.
“I am not running away. I left because it is a rather comfortable contest and Pakatan needs more seats to secure a stronger mandate to lead the state,” he added.
In Linggi, he said Mohd Faizal held an advantage as the incumbent.
“Right now, I feel that my chance of winning here is still 50-50.
“I have my strong points and he does, too. We will let the rakyat decide,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Faizal said he would not take things lightly despite Linggi being a Barisan stronghold.
“This time is different because the Mentri Besar himself is contesting. I will continue working hard with the entire Barisan machinery to make sure we defend it.
“Linggi may be a stronghold but this is not something that can be taken for granted.
“I am not taking this as an advantage. We have to use every possible avenue to earn support, even among our staunch supporters,” he said.
He also urged supporters, regardless of their political affiliation, not to go overboard during the campaign period.
“We are all from the same village and live in harmony.
“We must preserve this as all of us will continue being with one another when the polls end,” he said.
Polling day falls on Aug 1, with early voting on July 28.
