NIBONG TEBAL: The unity pact's victory in the Sungai Bakap by-election will send a clear signal that people no longer accept Perikatan Nasional's racial fire and religious conflict.
As such, PKR deputy-president Rafizi Ramli said the by-election should not be taken lightly.
He said racial fire and religious conflict could destroy what the unity government had built in the past 18 months, with the people's wellbeing in mind.
"The Sungai Bakap by-election result will not change anything. If the unity pact wins, we get to increase one seat and strengthen the state administration.
"Even if PN wins, we won't hear anything towards the effect of a change in government, like in the past.
"Nevertheless, it should not be taken lightly.
"The Sungai Bakap by-election will have a positive effect to send a clear message on racial fire and religious conflict being played by the opposition…whether it is still sharp or whether it has waned," he said in his speech at the launch of the unity pact election machinery for the Sungai Bakap by-election here last night.
Rafizi said voters might be awed with the racial fire and religious conflict brought by the opposition the first time.
He said they might still bear with it a second time.
"But they will soon realise that it will not solve their problems," he added.
Rafizi said a win for the unity pact would signal a need for Perikatan Nasional to change tactics or risk losing in the next general elections.
"If PN is able to change its beat, this will be good for the country," he added.
Rafizi said this by-election was an avenue for the unity pact to prove their are able to maintain their togetherness for the good of the country.
"I believe if we are able to show the voters this, then they will return the Sungai Bakap seat to us," he said.
The unity pact is set to announce its candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election on Wednesday.
The Election Commission has fixed July 6 for the Sungai Bakap by-election following the death of its assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.