SG BAKAP POLLS: FORMER IMAM DELIGHTED BY UNEXPECTED REUNION WITH JOOHARI 

NIBONG TEBAL, July 1 (Bernama) -- An elderly voter from Kampung Sungai Buaya here was pleasantly surprised when a political campaign visit to his home for the Sungai Bakap by-election revealed that Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin was an old acquaintance.

Che Dan Razak, 85, took a moment to study Joohari's campaign poster before realising that they knew each other from his days as an imam at Masjid Kampung Besar and teaching religious studies in Sungai Bakap.

“When I saw the candidate's poster, I was genuinely surprised because I know him (Joohari),” he told reporters during Joohari's door-to-door campaign today.

The elderly man's joy was evident as he reminisced about their past acquaintance, fondly recalling their shared experiences.

Affectionately known as Pak Teh, Che Dan, who has health issues and finds it difficult to stand for long periods, explained that he knew Joohari through mutual friends who attended religious classes at the mosque.

“He (Joohari) used to accompany his friends to learn Quran at the mosque. Back then, I had a durian orchard, so I often invited him and his friends to enjoy durians,” he shared.

Che Dan, a former territorial army soldier, expressed regret that his declining health prevents him from voting in this by-election. His wife, Bedah Man, 80, has been bedridden since a fall last year.

“In previous elections, I voted at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Kechil, but since the last general election, I have been unable to go and vote,” he added.

“My only hope now is for Joohari to win. All we can do is pray for his victory,” Che Dan said.

The by-election on July 6 is a straight fight between Joohari and Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail, following the death of PAS incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

-- BERNAMA