PKR: We are underdogs
BAYAN LEPAS: A PKR leader yesterday said the party is an underdog in Rantau compared with its main competitor, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who has the upper hand.
Party secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the party should work hard and never underestimate the influence of Mohamad, better known as Tok Mat, the incumbent.
“We can never underestimate the power of incumbency.
“They (Barisan Nasional) have the edge and we began the campaign as the underdog for the seat.
“We are done with the first half of the campaign and PKR and Pakatan Harapan have no other choice but to improve our campaigning methods by meeting voters on the ground.
“We are left behind in certain matters, but I believe we are catching up,” he said after officiating a safety carnival at Al-Huda Mosque here.
The by-election sees a four-cornered fight between PH, BN and two independent candidates.
PKR is fielding Dr S. Streram of PH to lock horns with Tok Mat, while R. Malarvizhi, 51, and Mohd Nor Yassin, 67, are contesting as independents.
On the chances of PKR wresting the seat from BN, Saifuddin said he would leave it to analysts to do the math.
“We remain optimistic and will carry out a systematic campaign online and on the ground.
“We will receive reports from call centres, and from there, will know the voting pattern.
“We will know the kind of improvements needed.”