Najib hopes Dr Mahathir will continue to campaign for Opposition
(The Star) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should continue to campaign for the Opposition because it is good for Barisan Nasional, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in jest.
Responding to questions from reporters here on Sunday, the Prime Minister said the lesson from the two by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar was clear.
“The more Tun Mahathir campaigns for the Opposition, the better for Barisan. I hope he doesn’t stop,” said Najib during a press conference after handing over keys to new homes for 31 families affected by the 2014 floods.
Barisan swept to thumping victories in both the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seats on Saturday, winning by far bigger margins compared to the 2013 general election.
Barisan’s Budiman Mohd Zohdi garnered 16,800 votes to win the Sungai Besar parliamentary seat with a whopping 9,191 majority.
His nearest contender, Amanah candidate Azhar Abdul Shukur received 7,609 votes while PAS’ Dr Rani Osman bagged 6,902 votes.
In the 2013 general election, Barisan candidate, the late Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon won the seat with a razor-thin majority of 399 votes.
In Kuala Kangsar, Barisan candidate Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid won the seat previously held by her late husband Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, with a higher majority of 6,969 compared to the 1,082 votes recorded in the 13th general election.
Her victory was even more commendable considering that she had not been able to campaign as she is still undergoing iddah (waiting period) after her husband’s death.
Mastura received 12,653 votes, defeating PAS’ Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad who got 5,684 votes and Amanah’s Dr Ahmad Termizi Ramli with 4,883 votes, while independent Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary received a paltry 54.
Voter turnout was 74% in Sungai Besar and 71% in Kuala Kangsar.
