NIBONG TEBAL: A win for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Sungai Bakap by-election would send a strong signal to Putrajaya about the people's suffering due to the soaring cost of living.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said this followed the recent diesel subsidy rationalisation.
"Whether it's a referendum or not, we need to send a strong message to the federal government, particularly the prime minister, that the people are suffering.
"Although the government provides assistance, it cannot solve the people's problems. The government must act with benevolence.
"In the government, we must have a social safety net to help the people," he said during a gathering with PN voters and supporters in Simpang Ampat here today.
Muhyiddin was here to campaign for PN's candidate Abidin Ismail for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
He said the hardship faced by the people cuts across all races.
"As such, it is time for the government to look into this seriously," he added.
Muhyiddin also said he has been receiving ground reports indicating that the machinery here is working very well and that all component parties are collaborating to ensure the candidate's victory, even though he is from Pas.
He said that, for now, it is still difficult to see who is in the lead.
"However, we cannot be too confident.
"It looks like there are no issues, and as such, we hope this will give an added advantage to our candidate," he said, noting that the momentum is improving significantly.
Pic by MIKAIL ONG