Amanah Calls For Constructive Campaign Focus In Mahkota By-election

KOTA BHARU, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Sensitive issues related to race, religion, and royalty (3R) as well as the price of diesel should not be used as campaign material by the opposition during the Mahkota state constituency by-election, says Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) secretary-general Muhammad Faiz Fadzil.

He said the opposition should adopt a more constructive and progressive approach by raising issues that benefitted the people, rather than bringing up matters that could cause tension or were no longer relevant.

"Do not exploit the people for political gain in the name of 3R, as it brings no benefit to anyone, and such issues should be avoided.

"Furthermore, the issue of diesel price is no longer relevant as the government has already provided cash incentives as part of the rationalisation process," he told reporters at the B40 Fishing Equipment Assistance Handover Ceremony and the launch of the Jalur Gemilang Flag-Waving on Fishing Boats campaign at LKIM Kuala Besar, here today.

The Mahkota by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on Aug 2.

So far, Kluang UMNO Youth chief Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, 40, has been announced as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, while former Johor FA footballer Mohamad Haizan Jaafar, 61, has been named as the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate.

The Election Commission has set the polling day for the by-election on Sept 28, with nomination day and early voting scheduled for Sept 14 and 24, respectively.

-- BERNAMA