NIBONG TEBAL: New Sungai Bakap assemblyman, Abidin Ismail, has downplayed concerns that the constituency will be neglected because it is represented by the opposition.
"There is no issue... No problem. They (Pakatan Harapan) were also the opposition previously.
Abidin, of Perikatan Nasional, said Sungai Bakap was part of the Nibong Tebal parliamentary constituency, represented by Fadhlina Sidek, who is also Education Minister.
The other two state constituencies under Nibong Tebal are Jawi and Sungai Acheh, which are represented by H'ng Mooi Lye and Rashidi Zinol. Both are state executive councillors in the Penang government.
"Having that said, we will be the people's voice and provide check and balance," he told reporters during a walkabout in the constituency.
Abidin, who retained the Sungai Bakap seat for PN in yesterday's by-election, also vowed to continue the work of his predecessor, Nor Zamri Latiff, who passed away on May 24.
He said he plans to address the water woes in the area, including providing ideas for solutions.
"Today is a good start to the new year for me, as it is Awal Muharram (the first day of the Muslim calendar).
"My work began even before my win when I was Abang Zam's (Nor Zamri) special assistant.
Earlier, Abidin went around Sungai Bakap to thank constituents for their support.
Yesterday, Abidin polled 14,489 votes against Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin's 10,222 votes.