PH won’t make promises, BN hoping win will mean ‘another avenue’ for people

KAJANG: The Semenyih by-election will see a four-cornered fight involving Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and one independent candidate.

This by-election, to be held on March 2, is the sixth since the 14th General Election on May 9 last year.

PH is fielding Muhammad Aiman Zailani of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), who is the son-in-law of former Semenyih assemblyman, the late Bakhtiar Mohd Nor.

Zakaria Hanafi, from Semenyih, is BN’s candidate.

Aiman and Zakaria will face PSM’s Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul and independent candidate Kuan Chee Heng.

Their names were announced by Election Commission (EC) returning officer Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar at the Kajang Municipal Council’s Dewan Seri Cempaka here, which was the nomination centre.

Leaders and supporters of each party gathered near the council as early as 7am to show support for the candidates.

Pas leaders, including party secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan and vicepresident Datuk Iskandar Samad, were part of BN’s supporters.

After the conclusion of the nomination, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said its candidate would not make any promises during the campaign.

Muhyiddin, who is home minister, said similar to previous byelections, the ruling coalition would adhere to the rules and regulations set by EC.

He said PH, however, acknowledged that there were five issues affecting constituents in Semenyih that needed to be addressed.

“The issues include traffic congestion, public transport management system as well as congestion at clinics and government hospitals.

“Other issues include poor waste collection and lack of petrol stations for every 2km or 3km in Beranang.

“I am highlighting this not to make promises, but to stress that PH recognises these issues and that they need to be resolved.”

Acting BN chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said a win for BN would translate into a greater voice for the people in the Selangor assembly.

“Similar to previous by-elections, the contest in Semenyih is equally important as it will signify the people’s sentiment towards the administration at the federal and state levels.

“And yes, a win for BN in Semenyih will not change the structure of the Selangor government. It will not be a kudis

PH.

“However, it will be a victory for the people. People will gain another avenue for them to voice their grouses.”

Aiman said he wanted to focus on local issues and believed such a campaign strategy would win him votes. He expressed confidence that his local ties were an advantage.

“I am focusing on local issues to help constituents. I will let the party’s leaders address national issues.”

Zakaria said he was ready to be the voice of the people in Semenyih if BN wins.