KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will be sitting out the Sg Bakap by-election campaign.
When asked if he would participate in the by-election, he briefly said, “No, I won’t, thank you.”
However, he did not mention the reason behind his decision.
Anwar was earlier met by reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Al-Umm in Bangi today.
The prime minister also did not campaign for DAP’s Pang Sock Tao in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11.
Sg Bakap seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
In the previous state election, Nor Zamri, also the Nibong Tebal PAS chief, secured victory over PH candidate Nurhidayah Che Ros with a 1,563-vote majority.
Meanwhile, former director of Institut Aminuddin Baki (northern branch), Dr Joohari Ariffin, was officially announced as the unity government’s candidate for Sg Bakap state by-election on July 6.
Unity government election machinery main committee co-chairman Rafizi Ramli said the 59-year-old PKR member meets three essential criteria.
“Firstly, he’s a local who understands the needs of Sg Bakap’s community. Secondly, he possesses the necessary education and intellect. And thirdly, he’s committed to educating and uplifting the public,” Rafizi said at an event to unveil the unity government candidate in Simpang Ampat.
Joohari holds a PhD in Educational Management and Leadership from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), obtained in 2014. He is a Sg Bakap local who also obtained a bachelor’s degree from Universiti Malaya (UM) in 1987, majoring in economics and Islamic studies.
His career in education began when he was placed as an assistant teacher at SMK Serdang in Kedah and SMK Agama Nibong Tebal in Penang in 1997. – June 14, 2024