SG LIMAU PAS is optimistic it can retain the Sungai Limau state seat in the coming by-election despite an expected stiff one-on-one contest with the Barisan Nasional (BN).

Its president, Abdul Hadi Awang, expressed confidence that voters in the area would pick the PAS candidate as they did in the 13th general election (GE13) in May.

At GE13, the late PAS candidate Azizan Abdul Razak, who had been incumbent since 1995, won with a 2,774-vote majority in a four-cornered fight.

NONEAbdul Hadi (centre, in white) was also optimistic of retaining the 2,774-vote majority but would not treat BN’s capability lightly.

He was speaking to reporters after the nomination of candidates for the Sungai Limau by-election at Dewan Datuk Madi in Yan today.

The by-election is being held on Nov 4, following the death of Azizan on Sept 26, following complications from diabetes.

Meanwhile, PAS candidate Mohd Azam Abd Samat said that although the party had held the seat since 1995, it did not serve as an advantage.

“This is a by-election, not a general election. All BN machinery will be focused here. BN will definitely work hard to grab Sungai Limau. I only hope the campaign will proceed peacefully as the people here are related,” he said.

Mohd Azam was confident that PAS would be able to defend the seat with the help of the election machinery of the opposition pact.

He said he would also meet voters in the Sungai Limau state seat to listen to their complaints and aspirations.

Among others, he said he would write letters to related government departments for budgets to repair potholed roads, specifically in the Dulang area, during campaigning.

“Sungai Limau is a rural area. So I will focus on such efforts so that the local populace can enjoy wifi facilities which are currently very limited.

“Wifi service is very important to obtain information and education. I also urge the state government not to sideline Sungai Limau,” said Mohd Azam.

He hoped the government would announce the increase in padi prices and subsidy in Budget 2014 to be tabled on Friday, which he claimed had not been increased since 23 years ago.

- Bernama