PAS, which emerged victorious in yesterday's Kuala Terengganu by-election, believes that its choice of candidate worked to its advantage.

kuala terengganu by election 080109 pas candidate abdul wahid PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub told Bernama that the party learned from its past mistakes and fielded Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut ( left ), whom he described as a person with wide experience and free from any issue.

"This is a clear message from the people who wanted to see changes," he said.

In the by-election, Abdul Wahid defeated Barisan Nasional candidate, Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, with a majority of 2,631 votes.

Independent candidate, Azharudin Mamat @ Adam, polled 193 votes and lost his deposit.

Salahuddin said the fact that Abdul Wahid had been winning in Wakaf Mempelam showed that he had the support of the people.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had previously said that Pakatan Rakyat made the right decision in fielding Abdul Wahid.

"He is a five-term Wakaf Mempelam assemblyperson. If he is not good, the people won't vote for him," Abdul Hadi said.

Anwar's presence also a factor

Meanwhile, PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali said PKR advisor Anwar Ibrahim's presence in Kuala Terengganu and the issues raised by the party were among the factors contributing to the victory.

kuala terengganu by election 160109 anwar ibrahim "Among the issues are language, education, crime and the future of the Malays... these are issues which appeal to the younger voters," he said.

Syed Husin said Abdul Wahid's personality also contributed to the victory.

"He is known among the people of Kuala Terengganu as a humble person with a clean record," he said, adding that Pakatan Rakyat component parties had also cooperated well during the campaign.

The by-election also went well without undesirable incidents, he said.

Bernama also quoted a local resident, who wanted to be known only as "Ayah Teh", as saying that Abdul Wahid is a person close to the hearts of the voters.

"He always spends time with us village folks and asks how are we doing," said Ayah Teh who is from Kubang Parit in the Wakaf Mempelam constituency.

His friend Rosli Kasim agreed, saying Mohd Abdul Wahid is a well-liked person.