Wait for ‘surprise’ in Sungai Bakap, says Penang PAS chief

Penang PAS chief Fauzi Yusoff said the party has the support needed to retain Sungai Bakap come polling day this Saturday. (Facebook pic)

NIBONG TEBAL: Penang PAS chief Fauzi Yusoff has hinted at unexpected support in non-Malay areas ahead of the Sungai Bakap poll, claiming that the party has made “significant” inroads.

“There has been an increase of support. Wait for a surprise,” Fauzi told reporters at the PAS service centre in Jawi today.

He also dismissed claims by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli that Malay support for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Sungai Bakap had dropped to 48%, down from 77% during the state polls.

“It is expected from someone like Rafizi, a ‘raja formula’. We expect the numbers to be higher,” he said during the launch of the manifesto for PN candidate Abidin Ismail.

Abidin’s manifesto focuses on five key areas, including establishing community service centres and promoting volunteerism; enhancing emergency aid services; providing training and financial support for local entrepreneurs; and promoting local products to create job opportunities and stimulate the economy.

Abidin has also promised to solve water supply issues in the constituency, improve the quality of local roads, and upgrade public facilities for the community’s benefit.

Abidin said he would be the voice of the people at the assembly, opposing burdensome policies and protecting the rights of all ethnic groups.

“The feedback has been quite positive from the voters, including non-Malays, in the past 11 days of campaigning. I see the wave, the movement is there,” Abidin said.

The Sungai Bakap by-election was called following the death of PAS incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.

Abidin is in a straight fight with Pakatan Harapan’s Joohari Ariffin, with polling day to be held on Saturday.