DAY 8 | I have a country to run, says PM of campaign absence

DAY 8 | Campaigning for the Sungai Bakap by-election enters its eighth day.

Pakatan Harapan candidate Joohari Ariffin is up against Perikatan Nasional’s Abidin Ismail in a straight fight.

Polling is set for July 6.

Malaysiakini reports live from the ground.

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This concludes Day 8 of the Sungai Bakap by-election campaign.

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Cops issue 61 permits for Sg Bakap campaign so far

8.45pm: Nibong Tebal - The Penang police have issued 61 permits for campaign activities, speeches, and friendly visits by political parties contesting in the Sungai Bakap by-election since campaigning commenced on June 22.

Penang police chief Hamzah Ahmad announces today that 16 permits have been approved, with none rejected so far.

“The number of police reports and investigation papers related to the Sungai Bakap by-election remains at one, which is under Section 427 of the Penal Code for damaging campaign materials such as political party flags and banners. 

“The police also advise campaigners to ensure that campaign areas, such as rally sites and meeting places, are cleaned up after use and to avoid damaging public property,” he says in a statement.

- Bernama

Anwar: I have economic problems to solve

7.30pm: Seberang Jaya - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he is not campaigning in the ongoing Sungai Bakap state by-election because he is focusing on solving economic problems and working to develop the people’s living standards.

In this regard, Anwar who is also Pakatan Harapan chairperson says he has handed over to other friends in the coalition under the government including Penang PKR State Leadership Council deputy chairperson Mohamad Abdul Hamid to carry out work in the area.

“I am not contesting in Sungai Bakap, I didn't even go to Sungai Bakap. I am focusing on economic problems, to develop the people’s well-being, I don’t even take a salary. I didn’t go to Sungai Bakap because I thought I had to continue working for the people.

“This evening we will meet the Steering Committee of the Implementation Coordination Unit in the Prime Minister's Department, district officials, and others to discuss the development of Penang Bumiputera projects,” he says at an event in Seberang Jaya today.

Therefore, the PKR president asks his friends in the party as well as other parties to understand his situation.

- Bernama

PN has lost direction - Rafizi

5pm: Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal - PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli is making himself heard in this by-election, weighing in on a couple of issues as the campaign hits the halfway mark.

Rafizi throws shade at Perikatan Nasional’s by-election campaign, saying it has lost its direction, with the coalition neglecting local issues.

With national issues hogging the spotlight, he says PN has lost focus on local problems such as water disparity, fly infestation and shoddy roads.

Rafizi also responds to the ongoing “Rakyat Lawan Anwar” rally in Putrajaya, with a cynical remark that “they can even protest in front of my cat”.

‘People can see through opposition rhetoric’

4.30pm: Dungun - BN election director for the Sungai Bakap by-election Zambry Abdul Kadir has expressed confidence in the people’s growing ability to discern the true intentions behind opposition rhetoric aimed at gaining support during electoral campaigns.

He says similar tactics were used by the opposition in previous contests such as the Kuala Kubu Baharu and Pulai by-elections.

“However, the public can evaluate accordingly. Therefore, the crucial factor remains who can provide the best service to them,” he tells reporters after officiating at the Dungun Umno division annual general meeting today. 

Zambry said strong cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and BN in the ongoing by-election campaign will have a positive influence on public perception.

- Bernama

Rumours of BN MPs joining PN false: Asyraf

10am: Puteri Gunung, Nibong Tebal - Umno denies that 11 BN federal lawmakers are set to leave the ruling coalition.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki says he is confident the rumours are false as the coalition’s MPs had signed an oath of allegiance prior to the last general election.

“I’m very sure because if they do, they will have to pay RM100 million and their seat has to be vacated,” he said during the Pakatan Harapan campaign rally last night.

Asyraf is refuting Muafakat Nasional chairperson Annuar Musa’s claim that 11 MPs from BN will leave the coalition and support Perikatan Nasional if Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul refuses to vacate the six Bersatu turncoat lawmakers’ seats.

Govt doesn't neglect position of Islam - Asyraf

Muhyiddin says 'just found out’ Tok Pa quit Bersatu

'Buzz of frustration': Longstanding fly issue plagues Sg Bakap

Umno leader dares Bersih to review court ruling on allocations pledges

PAS: Late Sg Bakap assemblyperson was champion of water issues