SG BAKAP BY-ELECTION: PH CANDIDATE MAKES FINAL DASH, FOCUSING ON VOTERS IN GREY AREAS

NIBONG TEBAL, July 1 (Bernama) -- With five days left before the Sungai Bakap state by-election on July 6, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin's campaign is now focused on approaching voters in grey areas.

Joohari, fondly known as Cikgu Joo, said the focus is on whitening support in grey areas or fence-sitters who account for over 60 per cent to ensure a comfortable victory for the Unity Government.

"Alhamdulillah we are now focusing on grey areas like in this area (Kampung Sungai Buaya) and as of today our campaign has exceeded 60 per cent and we will be entering all (areas).

" Whether they accept or not, it doesn't matter (because) I came to introduce myself and extend an introductory greeting," he told reporters when met while campaigning in Kampung Sungai Buaya here today.

The former teacher said the door-to-door campaign was the best way to approach the voters as well as giving him space to convince the voters to choose him as the representative on polling day.

Asked about the local community's acceptance of his commitment (manifesto) throughout the campaign, Joohari said the reaction received was very positive and believed that the voters of Sungai Bakap are capable of making the best assessment.

"These people do not directly mention (acceptance of commitment). If they can accept what we are offering, that is a good sign because we are offering something practical for the people of Sungai Bakap," he said.

The former director of the Aminuddin Baki North Branch Institute outlined the four main thrusts in the manifesto for the by-election which is taken from the word, PADU namely P - Prasarana dan Progresif (Infrastructure and Progress) ; A - Akhlak (Moral) ; D - Damai (Peace); and U - Untuk Semua (For All).

The Sungai Bakap state assembly by-election saw Joohari battling Nibong Tebal PAS vice-president  Abidin Ismail representing Perikatan Nasional (PN) in a straight fight  which was held following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 last year due to stomach inflammation.

-- BERNAMA