JOHOR BAHRU: Barisan Nasional (BN) is grateful for the commitment of all component parties and Friends of BN who will be assisting in the campaign for the Unity Government candidate in the Sungai Bakap state by-election in Penang.

BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir noted that MCA president Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong has also pledged support to assist the Unity Government candidate in the campaign.

“I’m thankful for the unity demonstrated by all BN components. The MCA president and leaders have pledged support for the Sungai Bakap candidate. Together, we’ll advance as a team,” he told a press conference after the 2024 Johor BN Convention and Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here today.

Also present were the Johor BN liaison committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Wee who is also Johor MCA liaison committee chairman and Johor MIC liaison committee chairman R. Vidyananthan.

Meanwhile, Wee said the circumstances in the Bertam by-election dif
fer from the recent one in Kuala Kubu Baharu, where his party wasn’t involved in the Unity Government campaign.

“In the Sungai Bakap by-election, the situation is different. BN is in talks to support the campaign, responding to a request from Pakatan Harapan. While we’re willing to assist, we’re currently evaluating the work arrangements to be made,” he said.

The Sungai Bakap state seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff, 56, on May 24 while being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ) due to inflammation in the stomach.

In the Penang state elections last August, Nor Zamri, Nibong Tebal PAS chief, secured victory over Pakatan Harapan candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose with a majority of 1,563 votes.

The Election Commission (EC) has set the polling day for the Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6, with nomination and early voting set for June 22 and July 2 respectively.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency