KUALA LUMPUR – The Sg Bakap by-election will see a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan’s Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional’s Abidin Ismail.
The by-election in the Penang state seat was called following the death of its incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
Abidin, a 56-year-old logistics executive, is a former aide to Nor Zamri, while Joohari is a former educator and director of the northern branch of Institut Aminuddin Baki.
The candidates were announced by the returning officer, Khairulnizam Hashim, at the Jawi Multipurpose Hall, Taman Desa Jawi, Nibong Tebal.
Nor Zamri, who was Nibong Tebal PAS chief, won the seat in the state election last August after defeating Pakatan Harapan’s Nurhidayah Che Rose with a 1,563-vote majority.
The Election Commission has set July 6 for polling, with early voting on July 2 and a 14-day campaign period running from the announcement of candidates until 11.59pm on July 5.
A total of 39,279 electors, including 57 police personnel, are eligible to vote in the by-election. – June 22, 2024