NIBONG TEBAL: Voters in Sungai Bakap have been told not to believe claims that Umno and Barisan Nasional members will not support Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin in the July 6 by-election.
BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir dismissed the claims as mere propaganda.
"This propaganda is being used to poison the people's minds.
"As such, don't believe in such claims.
"Our commitment is to continue to support Joohari and ensure his victory in the by-election," he said at the Ceramah Perpaduan here tonight.
The Sungai Bakap state seat has always been BN and subsequently PH's stronghold until the state elections last year where Perikatan Nasional's Nor Zamri Latiff won the seat.
It was said that Umno members had voted in protest then after the party joined forces with PH to form the unity government after the 15th general election.
It was no secret back then that BN and PH were enemies.
Joohari is in a straight fight against Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail for the Sungai Bakap state seat.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Pas assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
Elaborating, Zambry said Joohari was bringing with him the "perPADUan" manifesto, which he unveiled on Saturday.
Upgraded infrastructure, free tuition, poverty elimination and a resolution to citizenship issues in Sungai Bakap were among Joohari's key manifesto promises ahead of the by-election for the state seat.
Underpinning his perPADUan (unity) manifesto, he promised fairness towards all constituents.
"These are not mere promises by Joohari but rather a commitment that he will implement the development agenda here in Sungai Bakap for the benefit of the people.
"I am sure that he had discussed all this with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow before, and he has their fullest support.
"As such, let us give him the opportunity to serve as the assemblyman this July 6. Let him fulfil his plans for this area.
"Give him a chance in the next four years to ensure his plans come into fruition. After all, the power is in your (the voters') hands to determine your assemblyman. If he (Joohari) is not able to perform, you can always vote against him in the next elections," he added, urging the voters to vote in Joohari in the July 6 by-election.