NIBONG TEBAL: Voters in Sungai Bakap, especially young voters, have been told to vote rationally and not based on sentiment.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said there was no reason for voters here not to vote for Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin.

He said voters must vote in a candidate who has the state and federal governments behind him.

"Otherwise, what is the benefit of voting?

"We know of the water supply disruption issue facing some of the voters here. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had recently announced a RM4 billion project which is set to resolve the water issue in northern Perak and Seberang Prai.

"This is the country's political reality. It is easier to solve the people's problems and for allocations to trickle down if you are in sync with the government-of-the-day.

"As such, we urge all voters not to vote based on sentiment," he told newsmen at the Sungai Bakap by-election media centre here today.

Elaborating, Ahmad said it would be nearly four years before voters in Sungai Bakap have a chance to vote again.

"Imagine the time where voters are faced with all sorts of problems and lack of allocation.

"This opportunity (to vote in the right candidate) will not come by again," he added.

The Sungai Bakap by-election will see a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail.

Voting is set for this Saturday.

Anwar recently reminded Sungai Bakap by-election voters, especially the youth, to give the unity government candidate an opportunity to represent them.

The prime minister's senior political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, said the reminder was crucial so that more infrastructure programmes and development could be implemented comprehensively in Sungai Bakap.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said he had the opportunity to meet with young voters in Sungai Duri yesterday.

"I was shocked with their huge presence.

"I am sure if we endear ourselves to them and explain to them, they will understand.

"During my meeting with them, I spoke to them about TVET and the vast opportunity that awaits them with high income in future.

"We want to let young people know that we care for them and will help them wherever possible. We just hope they will open up their hearts and minds to us," he said.

Ahmad also advised young voters not to merely look at the TikTok accounts of the opposition.

"Try opening up the TikTok accounts of the unity government leaders as well. There are many things to see and learn," he stressed.

Ahmad added, just like Anwar and the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Joohari is also a local boy.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1071732/vote-rationally-not-based-sentiment-ahmad-maslan-tells-sungai-bakap