BENTONG: Despite being defeated in the Pelangai state seat by-election yesterday, the Malay vote swing trend in Felda schemes have been in favour of Perikatan Nasional(PN).
Pahang PN chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said PN secured wins at two of the three district polling centres (PDM) located at Felda settlements.
"PN won at Felda Kemasul with a 295 majority and Felda Sungai Kemahal with a five-vote majority but lost in Felda Chemomoi by 182 votes. PN secured 3,038 votes at all the three Felda PDM's compared to Barisan Nasional which obtained 2,920 votes.
"PN has won the Felda votes and the Malay voters' support towards PN has increased. This, again proves that Felda schemes are no longer a BN or Umno fortress," he said in a statement today.
Saifuddin said PN has retained the support from the young voters in Pelangai and this proves that the coalition has the potential to replace Umno-BN who largely depend on DAP-Pakatan Harapan for support.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said although the total voters turn out in Pelangai yesterday was 72.1 per cent which is about six percent lower compared to the 15th general election (Pelangai recorded 28 per cent) but the figure was relatively high compared to the turnout at other by-elections.
"The voters have come out to exercise their rights and we certainly appreciate their commitment," he said.
In the by-election yesterday, BN retained the state seat through Datuk Amizar Abu Adam who won by a 2,949 majority. PN's Kasim Samat managed 4,375 votes, and independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasni received 47 votes.
PN"s candidate Kasim Samat could not be reached for comments.