RANTAU SEAT MAY SEE REMATCH
Dr Streram, Tok Mat want to contest seat
THE Rantau state byelection is likely to see a rematch between Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Pakatan Harapan’s Dr S. Streram.
Both have indicated their intention to contest the seat.
“I will defend the Rantau seat, God-willing,” Mohamad told the New Straits Times.
Dr Streram said: “I have waited for a long time for this moment and I am confident of winning the seat in the by-election.”
The seat sees a by-election after the Federal Court dismissed the petition by Mohamad and the Election Commission yesterday on the Election Court’s decision to declare the 14th General Election’s results for the seat null and void.
This will be the seventh byelection to take place after GE14.
The previous by-elections saw polls taking place in Sungai Kandis (Aug 4 last year), Balakong and Seri Setia (Sept 8 last year), Port Dickson (Oct 13 last year) and Cameron Highlands (Jan 26). The Semenyih by-election will be held on March 2.
The outcome thus far sees the score in PH’s favour with the coalition leading BN five to one.
Despite the unfavourable score, BN is confident that it will prevail in the Rantau by-election.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Jalaluddin Alias said the party was preparing for the by-election.
Mohamad has held the seat for three terms after having won it in the 2004, 2008 and 2013 general elections.
“Mohamad is the best candidate to contest the seat and we will give him our support.”
Jalaluddin, who is Jelebu member of parliament, said Mohamad’s position as the de facto Umno leader and deputy president would aid in his bid to defend the seat.
“Mohamad was instrumental in BN’s victory in the Cameron Highlands by-election.
“I believe we can do it again in Rantau.”
State Assembly Deputy Speaker M. Ravi said the state government would make an announcement in regard to the vacancy in the Rantau state seat next week.