KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Pang Sock Tao's victory in the Kuala Kubu Baharu state constituency's by-election proves that the cooperation in the Unity Government is solid and has the people's trust.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said she managed to defend the seat for the party with a convincing and comfortable majority.
Pang's victory also proves the cooperation between the component parties in the Unity Government is strong and shone throughout the campaign period.
"This victory is very convincing because we managed to retain the (voters) support, and there is an increase in the support of various races and communities.
"This is a sweet victory for the Unity Government,” he told the press after attending the Parti Keadilan Rakyat 25th anniversary celebration at the Sentul Depot yesterday night.
Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) announced that Pang won with a majority of 3,869 votes, defeating Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Hafizah Zainuddin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia), and Nyau Ke Xin (Independent).
The by-election was held following the death of its former state assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong on March 21 due to cancer.
Meanwhile, Loke wants Pang to begin serving the constituency wholeheartedly, forge a close relationship with the community, and always remain humble.
"She has many agendas to be implemented, and during our by-election campaign this time, she was not just the representative who is a conduit between the state government and the people, (as) many more government initiatives and policies must be channelled to the residents.
"One of the main agendas is developing the local economy, especially Kuala Kubu Baharu's eco-tourism, which she, as the area's assemblyman, must spearhead,” he said.
Although many political observers expected the Unity Government candidate to win the by-election with a majority of less than 1,000 votes, tonight's result exceeded the expectations of many.
"This proves that we worked hard to give explanations to several segments of the voters and, throughout this campaign, we held targeted ceramah as usual, and it paid off,” Loke said.
When asked about the low voter turnout, he said it was to be expected as this was just a by-election.
However, Loke is satisfied that voter turnout was about 61 per cent, although it was 69 per cent during the State Election in August last year.
"This time, (the percentage) was lower (compared to the previous state election), but it still exceeded 60 per cent. Although we had hoped for a higher voter turnout, what can we do as it is the voters’ right.
"But it was not unexpected because it is general knowledge that many voters did not come back to vote this time,” he said.
The EC announced that the voter turnout for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election was 61.51 per cent.
— Bernama
