BN's Mahkota candidate says Akmal's remarks will not affect polls

MAHKOTA BY-ELECTION | BN’s candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah believes that Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s previous remarks against DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok will not affect his chances in the election.

Syed Hussien (above) said that anyone is entitled to their opinion but the government’s views and decisions are what truly matter.

“No,(Akmal’s comment) is not affecting (the by-election). Because everybody has their own opinion.

“Personal opinion is their right, but the most important thing is the government’s stance. The government’s determination to prioritise the interests of the people is more important than anything else,” he told Malaysiakini when met on the campaign trail.

Akmal attended the nomination for the Mahkota by-election two days ago to support Syed Hussien.

Johor Pakatan Harapan leaders had expressed concerns that the attack by Akmal on Kok over the halal certificate issue would deter non-Malays who support BN’s ally Pakatan Harapan.

‘Guaranteed to win’

At 8.30am today, Syed Hussien, along with DAP’s Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi, Johor DAP chairperson Liew Chin Tong, and MCA members, visited the Kluang Old Pasar Kopitiam and nearby stores to campaign for votes.

On the campaign trail, the Kluang Umno Youth chief showed off his ability to speak Mandarin, emphasising to voters that he graduated from SJK(C) Chong Eng.

Some voters reassured Syed Hussien and Wong by saying that the federal coalition government would “definitely win” and was “guaranteed to win”.

A woman even told Wong: “If I support you (Wong), I will support him (Syed Hussien) as well.”

Wong also reminded voters to vote for the dacing this time as the coalition government has fielded a BN candidate.

Syed Hussein said he believes that Umno and DAP have already become one big family, and their cooperation is exactly the element needed for Malaysia’s unity.

“As Malaysians, for the benefit of the country, we need to unite in both action and ideology.”

Syed Hussien and PN’s Mohd Haizan Jaafar will face off on polling day on Sept 28 in a straight fight.

The Mahkota by-election was called following the death of incumbent assemblyperson Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on Aug 2.

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