NIBONG TEBAL: Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election Dr Joohari Ariffin is banking on 80 per cent voters' turnout this Saturday to ensure his victory and an early birthday present.
Speaking to newsmen after the Ziarah Kasih programme here today, Joohari said his camp was trying to achieve a high voter turnout.
"Only then, will we really look like we are competing. We don't want to win with only 40 per cent voter turnout.
"It is the responsibility of each and every voter to come out to vote. This is not only electing a leader but to determine the future of Sungai Bakap, Penang and Malaysia," he said, expressing hope that voters staying in Sungai Bakap itself should at least come out in droves to vote.
Joohari said, to win the by-election this Saturday, especially with a huge voter turnout, would be the best birthday gift for him this year.
His birthday falls on July 17.
He said he had achieved about 85 per cent of physical meeting with voters.
For social media, it is well past that percentage.
"For the next two days, we have our strategy to reach out to more voters, both physically and through social media. From what we see, the hits have been very encouraging."
As for fence sitters, Joohari said they seemed to support him this time around.
"The white areas, insyaAllah, remain with us. Even the grey areas are leaning toward us. It looks like there will be a swing among those who previously voted for the opposition.
"Besides the candidate, it is also thanks to the hardwork of all our election machinery," he said.
Joohari said the Chinese voters had been very receptive of him, adding that he was confident of receiving their votes.
"They even tell me, 'You don't have to look out for us. Our votes are with you. Just look after the Malay votes'.
"Seeing their commitment, this gives me the confidence. I can sense the strong support.
"I also entered Pas-friendly areas and they accept me. I believe we can get support after we showed the interesting side of our campaigning," he said.
Meanwhile, Joohari said he also planned to set up a one-stop-centre to provide training, including for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to the young here so that they need not leave Sungai Bakap to make a living.
He said that was all in his plan and he was working towards that.
Joohari is engaged in a straight fight with Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail for the state seat.