Opposition sees positive in defeat
KUALA LUMPUR: The outcome of the Seri Setia by-election signals a positive shift in people’s reception towards Pas’ struggle.
Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the low voter turnout showed voters were protesting against Pakatan Harapan.
The Marang member of parliament said Pas respected the results of the byelection and thanked voters.
“Pas is committed to continuing its fight for the people and will be a constructive opposition. It is willing to cooperate with any quarters for the peace and wellbeing of the nation.”
He thanked members of Pas, Umno and MIC for their contribution.
Selangor Pas election director Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir said popular votes for PH dipped.
“Unofficial results showed that PH’s popular votes dipped by eight per cent, whereas popular votes for Pas saw an increase, promising a positive future for the party and the opposition, especially in Selangor.”
He said the party had won back young voters, and won four vote boxes compared with none in the 14th General Election.
“The Pas-Umno cooperation was an effective political strategy and should be continued, as it was well received by the people.”
Wanita Umno chief Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said Dr Halimah Ali winning more than 9,500 votes on Saturday was a sign of greater things to come, especially in terms of Umno-Pas ties.
Pas got 4,563 votes in GE14.
Noraini said this showed that the collaboration between Umno and Pas was working.
“Wanita Umno is convinced that members and supporters of both parties want to fight for the interests of the Malay and Muslim community together.”
She said it also showed Pas’ sincerity in working with Umno.
“This was clear when the party invited Umno to take part in its 64th Muktamar in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, next Saturday.”
She said the higher number of votes received by Pas and Umno in the Seri Setia and Sungai Kandis by-elections respectively showed that voters, especially the Malay-Muslim community, were frustrated with PH.
“Pledges made by PH in their election manifesto are 70 per cent incomplete even after 100 days in office.”