Kemaman – The upcoming Kemaman by-election in Malaysia, set for early voting on November 28 and polling day on December 2, is shaping up to be a crucial political contest.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a fellow at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Malay Rulers Institution Chair, this by-election, the fifth in the country within a year, is a significant event in assessing Malaysia’s future political landscape.

Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS, the incumbent party, have each fielded prominent candidates. BN is represented by retired Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, while PAS has nominated Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar. This choice of ‘heavyweight’ candidates reflects the importance both parties place on this election.

Mujibu highlighted that the past four by-elections in Pulai, Simpang Jeram, Pelangai, and Jepak were won by the incumbent parties, making the outcome of the Kemaman by-election a potential benchmark for future contests.

Associate Prof Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia noted the potential for BN to surprise voters, citing the unblemished reputation of its candidate. He also pointed out that the Unity Government’s track record and economic initiatives led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could sway voters towards BN.

The Election Commission has confirmed a total of 141,790 eligible voters for this by-election, including police, military personnel, and overseas absentee voters. This election was necessitated by the Terengganu Election Court’s annulment of PAS candidate Che Alias Hamid’s victory in the 15th General Election (GE15).

In GE15, Che Alias secured the seat with a substantial majority, indicating the importance of this by-election in determining the political alignment of Kemaman, a region with significant economic potential and relevance for Terengganu’s overall development.