Asyraf: BN-Harapan cooperation can recapture Nenggiri

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki today expressed confidence that BN and Pakatan Harapan will recapture the Nenggiri state seat from Perikatan Nasional in the upcoming by-election.

This comes amid PAS’ claim of purported talks with Umno on new electoral cooperation.

Asyraf, who also heads the Unity Government Secretariat, attributed his confidence to close cooperation among all parties in the government to campaign in the Nenggiri by-election.

He said the joint machinery would include BN component parties, including MCA and MIC, despite rumours that both parties were mulling exiting the coalition, which they have since denied.

“Yes, (MCA and MIC) of course. When we say BN-Harapan, all the component parties will be involved.

“Everyone who is in (the coalition government) will indeed come down. The issue (of boycott) does not arise because of this BN-Harapan spirit.

“When a by-election takes place, there’s a sense of responsibility to be together,” he said during a press conference after a BN-Harapan coordination meeting held at the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Targeted voter groups

Asyraf also denied PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s claim that there were purported talks between the PN component and Umno on cooperation in the 16th general election.

Also present at the BN-Harapan coordination meeting were Kelantan Umno chief Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub and Amanah vice-president Adly Zahari.

Commenting further, Asyraf said BN will campaign to targeted groups with a focus on voters who are party members and supporters.

“We don’t want to focus on having mega ceramah like in previous by-elections. Instead, we will be targeting groups of voters so we can identify our members and supporters.

“We have BN and Harapan supporters so the machinery can focus on all the voters in Nenggiri without missing even one,” he added.

The Nenggiri by-election was called after Kelantan State Assembly speaker Mohd Amar Abdullah declared an unexpected vacancy on June 19.

This follows Bersatu’s announcement that incumbent Nenggiri assemblyperson Mohd Azizi Abu Naim had ceased to be a party member after he declared support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The Election Commission has set Aug 17 as polling day and Aug 13 for early voting, while nominations will be held on Aug 3.

BN counting on Orang Asli support

Separately, Asyraf said BN continues to view Orang Asli voters as the coalition’s “permanent reserve” for support.

“The Orang Asli have always been loyal to BN, I highly praise the noble leadership of (former Gua Musang MP) Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. When he did not succeed in the last general election, the whole machinery moved to win back the seat,” he added.

Adly said Harapan will focus on its 2,400 “white voters” or loyal supporters.

He said some 300 people had attended Harapan’s machinery launch yesterday by Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

“Harapan has 2,400 white voters there (in Nenggiri), so our focus is to ensure that these people come out to vote.

“The launch of the Harapan machinery yesterday (Sunday), on a working day (in Kelantan), saw 300 attendees. It is a new wave for the people of Kelantan,” he said.

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