TEMERLOH, March 6 — Barisan Nasional candidate Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad’s win over PAS candidate Hasanuddin Salim at Kerdau by-election is a big blow to PAS.

The result also shows that the target set by BN deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to increase the majority has been reached.

Syed Ibrahim obtained 5,060 votes to Hasanuddin’s 2,336 votes for a majority of 2,724 votes.

Allegations that the Pahang government was bankrupt andthe  presence of Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang failed to sway BN supporters.

The opposition had a taste of its own medicine when Ummi Hafilda Ali campaigned for BN and revealed many things that gave voters reasons to reject them.

BN won by a larger majority of 2,724 votes in the 83.2 per cent voter turnout, 1,099 more votes than the 1,615-vote majority in 2008 general election. 

BN won in all 13 polling centres including Felda Jengka 22, Jengka 23 and Jengka 25, areas much sought after by both parties.

The votes received in Jengka also showed that the people appreciate Felda aid provided by the government like payment of CESS tomorrow as promised by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan. 

Candidate factor also played an important role as local Syed Ibrahim is well received compared to “reject” candidate Hasanuddin who lost in the 2004 and 2008 general elections.

Syed Ibrahim, who served as religious adviser to the Pahang mentri besar, was accused of cheating and had to show his degree from Al-Azhar University as proof.

Malay votes turned out to be decisive in this straight fight as voters rejected PAS lies in Kerdau. Minus the votes from the Chinese and Indians, PAS only received about 2,000 votes.

Kuala Krau Umno division deputy chief Datuk Ismail Mohamed Said was spot on with his prediction that BN will get 64 per cent support, opposition 16 per cent while 14 per cent were fence sitters.

Although BN managed to increase its majority, support for PAS remained unchanged as hardcore supporters are still with them. 

Hasanuddin received 2,336 votes against 2,520 votes in 2008, fewer by only 184 votes. The increased majority was expected given the high voter turnout.

Ismail said the 83 per cent turnout made BN confident of getting a 3,000-vote majority but it was not to be as many supporters did not return.

“That is why we got only 2,724 votes. PAS managed to retain support as many of their supporters came home to vote.”

Support from the Chinese community also increased substantially. Of 454 voters, 212 voted BN compared to only 37 in 2008.

Pahang MCA deputy chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said this meant that the Chinese has confidence in the government.

Indian support also showed a marked improvement. Some 78 per cent of the 246 Indian votes went to BN compared to only 50 per cent in 2008.

Pahang MIC chairman Datuk M. Davendran said of the 246 who voted, 240 votes went to BN with only six going to PAS.

The result shows that majority of the three races rejected the opposition as they want a state assemblyman who can offer peace and continued development. — Bernama