NIBONG TEBAL: In what is seen as a last-ditch attempt to win the hearts and minds of the more than 39,000 Sungai Bakap voters, both candidates contesting in the by-election have reached out to voters for support and votes.
Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin, in a posting on his Facebook page, appealed to voters to use this opportunity to ensure all their hopes turned into reality.
"Beloved brothers and sisters, this is a second opportunity for Sungai Bakap to embark on a beautiful journey of rebuilding.
"I appeal to you to seize this opportunity to ensure all our hopes become a reality.
"I truly understand the circumstances and needs of the people of Sungai Bakap.
"With utmost commitment, I will work tirelessly for the people of Sungai Bakap if entrusted.
"With humility, I seek the support and votes from the 39,279 voters of Sungai Bakap, to realise the vision and mission of building a prosperous Sungai Bakap with unity, resilience and hope," he said.
The Sungai Bakap by-election will see a straight fight between Joohari and Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail.
The by-election was triggered following the death of Pas man Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
In the state elections last August, Nor Zamri defeated PKR's Nurhidayah Che Rose with a majority of 1,563 votes.
In his Facebook message to voters of Sungai Bakap, Abidin vowed that, if elected as the next Sungai Bakap assemblyman, he would not abandon the welfare projects started with Abang Zam Nor Zamri.
Abidin used to be the special assistant to Nor Zamri when he was the assemblyman.
"Let us together send a signal to the government that they cannot act arbitrarily while burdening the people like this.
"And my message is, let's urge our entire families to come out and vote. Never waste your vote by abstaining.
"Finally, please pray abundantly, so that Allah may grant the best leader for the people of Sungai Bakap," he said.
"Being in Nibong Tebal since birth, Abidin said this was where he earned a living, raised his family and sowed his dedication.
"The issues faced by the local residents are the same issues I face personally.
"Whether it's the environment, water or development, these concerns deeply affect me and my family.
"Friends and voters of Sungai Bakap, seeing the support, encouragement and prayers from my family, the young and the people of diverse races have strengthened me. "Remembering how earnestly Abang Zam assisted the people of Sungai Bakap further fuels my determination to continue his legacy," he said.
Today is the last day of campaigning for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
The Election Commission has fixed tomorrow for polling.
Today, both Joohari and Abidin will continue to reach out to voters through various programmes that they have planned out.