NIBONG TEBAL: The Sungai Bakap by-election is the best opportunity for the unity government candidate, Dr Joohari Ariffin, to create history, said PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
Saifuddin said they entered into the by-election with the hope of wining the seat and contributing towards strengthening the unity government in Penang.
He said the unity government's machinery would be mobilised to 'meet each and every voter' and ensure they vote for Joohari.
"This is the best opportunity for our candidate to create history by defeating the incumbent," he said after the nomination day process at Dewan Serbaguna Jawi here today.
The by-election for the Sungai Bakap state seat in Penang will see a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan's Joohari and Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail.
Announcing this at the close of nomination, returning officer Khairulnizam Hashim confirmed Joohari submitted his nomination paper at 9.03am and Abidin at 9.06am.
The by-election is being held following the death of its previous assemblyman, Pas' Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
In the 2023 state polls, Nor Zamri won the Sungai Bakap state seat for PN against PKR's Nurhidayah Che Rus with a 1,563 vote-majority.
Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kader said they would show their full support and offer their machinery throughout the campaigning period.
Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow, meanwhile, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the unity government leadership who present to show their support.
"I urge the voters of Sungai Bakap to vote in our candidate.
"This will send a clear message nationwide that they choose the unity government.
"Doing so, we can further strengthen the country's political stability, like we did in the past 18 months," he said.