Kuala Besut By-Elections: BN Holds On To The State Government
Following the death of Kuala Besut's State Assemblyman Dr A Rahman Mokhtar, the very first by-election since GE13 will be held to fill the now vacant seat. After all the worries of electoral fraud brought due to GE13, how will this by-election be held?
By Mei Mei Chu — 28 Jun 2013, 01:40 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
What are people saying about BN's win
“Furthermore, the initiative taken by BN to resolve almost all the problems raised by the people had given a positive impact and confidence towards the BN government,” he told reporters after the results were announced at the Majlis Daerah Besut hall in Jerteh, near here, today.
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“Since BN’s election campaign held throughout the allocated campaigning period was not focused on personal attacks or running down the opponent, it gave a very good impression to voters," Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
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"Saya terima kekalahan ini dan kalah itu perkara biasa, kita tidak merasa pelik dengan kekalahan ini tetapi jikalau kita menang ia memang suatu yang luar biasa," Calon PAS Endot@Azlan Yusof .
themalaysianinsider.com
“In the family, he likes to extend his help to other family members and I’m sure he will be able to champion the people of Kuala Besut,” Tengku Zaihan's father told when commenting on his son’s victory in the Kuala Besut state by-election here tonight.
abnxcess.com
BN wins Kuala Besut with increased majority of 2592
A pro-BN blogger is claiming that the BN won in all districts including early and postal voters, with a total majority of 2605 (unofficial), up from the 5 May general election majority of 2434. Utusan is also reporting a 2605 majority (unofficial).
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Barisan Nasional has won convincingly in Kuala Besut, keeping its hold on the state government. It also won in all the polling districts, including in PAS strongholds like Kampung Baharu, Kampung Nangka and Bukit Puteri.
thestar.com.my
This gave the BN a 2,592-vote majority. That is an increase of 158 votes from the 2,434 majority achieved by the late Dr A Rahman Mokhtar in the May 5 polls.
themalaysianinsider.com
Despite PAS switching its strategy by replacing a cleric with businessman Endut @ Azlan Yusof as its candidate, BN won the July 24 by-election with a bigger 2,592 majority to the 2,434 gained in the May 5 general elections.
themalaysianinsider.com
Barisan Nasional (BN) mempertahankan kemenangan dalam pilihan raya kecil kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri Kuala Besut hari ini dengan bilangan undi sebanyak 8,288.
Polling ends at 5pm with 75% voter turnout
If BN retains Kuala Besut, then the status quo remains. However should PAS wins, an unprecedented situation arises where BN and Pakatan Rakyat each control exactly half of the 32-member state assembly - a hung assembly.
malaysiakini.com
The by-election proceeded smoothly without any incident. The results will be announced after 10pm to enable the election workers to break fast and perform Terawikh prayers.
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5.00pm: Polling for the Kuala Besut state seat ended at 5pm. A total of 14,108 voters had cast their ballots.
malaysiakini.com
All eight polling stations in Kuala Besut closed at 5pm with the one in Pulau Perhentian closing two hours earlier. Turn-out is estimated at 75%.
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17, 683 Kuala Besut residents decide the fate of Terengganu's state assembly
The people of Kuala Besut will decide on Wednesday if the Terengganu state assembly ends up hung or not.
thestar.com.myA total of 17,683 registered voters will vote today to decide the fate of two candidates, Tengku Zaihan Che ku Abdul Rahman from the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Endut@Azlan Yusof from PAS.
malaysiandigest.comAll the stations are scheduled to close at 5 pm except for the one on Perhentian Island, which will close two hours earlier.
Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, when monitoring advance voting at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) multipurpose hall in Gong Kedak last Saturday, said he expected about 75 per cent voter turnout in this by-election.
EC issues rules and regulations for polling day
The Election Commission (EC) has issued a statement pertaining to compliance and code of ethics on polling day for the Kuala Besut by-election tomorrow, which include the use of the indelible ink, voting rights and campaign activities.
themalaysianinsider.com
He said the EC had appointed local observers to monitor the various stages of the election, from voting, vote counting and vote tally.
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Eight polling stations with 35 polling streams would be opened, Aziz said, adding that the polling stations would be opened at 8am until 5pm, except the polling centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Perhentian, which would close at 3pm.
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On the use of indelible ink, Aziz said voters would be required to dip their left index finger into the ink bottle provided by the EC.
"Voters who refuse to dip their finger in the bottle ink will not be given the ballot paper," he added.
malaysiakini.com
Aziz also advised all quarters to not harass or obstruct voters who wanted to exercise their rights. In view of Ramadan, the official announcement on the result of the by-election would be made, the earliest, at 10pm, he added.
themalaysianinsider.com
Muhyiddin Yassin promises RM387,490, 750 worth of projects to improve Kuala Besut
BN has thus far announced 10 projects worth RM387,490,750 since campaigning started on July 12, including a RM250 million project to deepen the estuary and build a breakwater in the Kuala Besut river.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced today Putrajaya had approved a RM35 million project to upgrade and fix the non-functioning Lowvier Dam there. The problem has affected production in 1,000 acres of paddy land for the past two years.
themalaysianinsider.com
Muhyiddin earlier told Kuala Besut residents the government had also approved a RM250 million project next year to deepen the estuary and build a breakwater to avoid siltation.
themalaysianinsider.com
"This is proof of the Barisan Nasional's commitment to solve problems and we have resolved many issues," he told a crowd of a thousand fishermen and farmers, here this afternoon.
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"Even if there is no by-election, these projects should have been implemented. We hope these projects will change the situation and the condition of the people in Kuala Besut," he said.
Anwar says do not be a slave to BN
Anwar told some 800 supporters at Kampung Tok Saboh last night that voters should take the opportunity this time to change the political landscape in the country by ensuring a PAS victory in the Kuala Besut by-election.
themalaysianinsider.com
“Do not be slaves to BN over pittance. If PAS wins Kuala Besut... every state, country will focus on Terengganu. This will change the political landscape,” he said.
“We cannot be slaves, we must be free in our bodies and our souls.
“Don’t just because of RM500 we changed ourselves from free men into slaves,” he said, referring to the 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) handout.
Anwar further said Umno had to spend money to win because if they lost, it would change the political map and threaten Umno's political power in the country.
themalaysianinsider.com
Husam Musa says BN government will remain even if PAS wins
PAS has no intention to take over the Terengganu government from Barisan Nasional even if it wins the Kuala Besut by-election, says its vice president Datuk Husam Musa.
thestar.com.myHe said the state government BN would be maintained, even though a win for PAS in the by-election would mean a ratio of 16:16 seats for both parties, resulting in a hung state legislative assembly.
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"It's only that they (BN) would not be able to do as they like. We will play a constructive check-and-balance role in the administration of the state, that is orientated towards the wellbeing of the people in Terengganu,"
He was reacting to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein's statement that PAS' bid to wrest the hung assembly through populist sentiments and form a new government would not be received favourably by the people.
thestar.com.myEC says no replica for campaigning this by-election
Parties contesting in the Kuala Besut by-election are not allowed to erect satirical replicas during the campaign period, said Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar.
malaysiandigest.comHe said the ban was made for the first time by the EC to ensure that the campaign would be conducted peacefully and in harmony, especially during Ramadan without any party mocking one another.
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"For example, when a party feels slighted over a replica and complain to the EC, if we do not take action, the complainant will respond the same way. There will be no end to it," he told Bernama after an interview with RTM here today.
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"It has become a trend in Terengganu to erect replicas to mock opponents," he said, adding that the EC would not tolerate any quarters who breach the rules.
malaysiandigest.comThousands turned up to support their candidates in this morning's nominations
PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang leading the PAS team to the nomination centre. Pic: ABN News
Image via malaysiandigest.com
An estimate of 2000 PAS supporters have gathered outside the nomination centre to show their support. Police helicopters are also spotted flying around the area.
Image via malaysiandigest.com
BN and PAS leaders shaking hands at the nomination centre in Kuala Besut. Pic: Twitter @Khairykj
Image via malaysiandigest.comNomination for the Kuala Besut state by-election opened at 9 am today at the Rakan Muda Complex in Kampung Raja here. The nomination of candidates was accepted for an hour up to 10 am.
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8.30am
PAS candidate Endot@AzlanYusof has just arrived at the Rakan Muda Complex in Besut District which is the nomination centre for this by-election. He is accompanied by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
malaysiandigest.comAn estimate of 2000 PAS supporters have gathered outside the nomination centre to show their support. Police helicopters are also spotted flying around the area.
malaysiandigest.com9.00am: Led by DPM Muhyiddin Yassin, Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abd Rahman and 2,000 BN supporters march towards the nomination station. They march silently, without chanting a single slogan.
malaysiakini.com
Umno has nominated former Department of Drainage and Irrigation engineer Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abd Rahman as its candidate while PAS is fielding contractor Azlan @ Enduk Jusoh.
thestar.com.myIf BN wins the by-election, the status quo prevails.
However if PAS wins, an unprecedented situation arises where BN and Pakatan Rakyat each hold half of the 32-member state assembly – a hung assembly.
malaysiakini.com
EC says voters must dip their finger into the indelible ink bottle
Voters must dip their finger into the indelible ink bottle during the Kuala Besut by-elections.
Image via hobotraveler.comThe Election Commission today said voters in the Kuala Besut state by-election will have to dip their left index finger into the indelible ink instead of having it brushed on to the finger.
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The Election Commission has decided on this method following criticisms about the different ways the ink was painted onto the finger and claims that it could be easily washed off.
thestar.com.myMeanwhile, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz advised Kuala Besut voters to check and verify their polling stations and streams. He said voters whose names do not appear on the electoral roll would not be allowed to vote.
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PAS says businessman Azlan Yusof is their candidate
BESUT – Calon Pas, Endot @ Azlan Yusof, 48, yakin menang, dengan beri gambaran jelas beliau mampu tewaskan calon BN, Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abd Rahman.
blogspot.com
Pesuruhjaya Pas Terengganu, Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut mengakui, sukar mencari pengganti seperti penyandang kerusi Dun Kuala Besut sebelum ini, Allahyarham Dr A Rahman Mokhtar.
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Businesman Endot@Azlan Yusof, 48, was announced as the Pas candidate for the Kuala Besut by-election.
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PAS's Che Long has deep roots in Kampung Baru in Kuala Besut and could prove a formidable opponent. His nomination has broken the local PAS tradition of fielding candidates from among religious teachers or ustaz.
PAS’s by-election director Husam Musa said the Kuala Besut locals would require a leader close to them and could understand their needs, and he believed PAS’s candidate could fill that void.
Pas vice president and by-election director Datuk Husam Musa said Endot was selected as the grassroots had wanted him.
"We are confident that he will be accepted by the people of Kuala Besut as he is a local who is well known as a good samaritan," he said.
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BN says Tengku Zaihan is their candidate
Tengku Zaihan is seen as relevant to the main demographic of fishermen in Kuala Besut, the sleepy enclave that is the jumping point to several resort islands off the Terengganu coast, including Pulau Perhentian.
Barisan Nasional (BN) mempertaruhkan calon muka baru, Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abd Rahman untuk mempertahankan kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Kuala Besut pada pilihan raya kecil kawasan itu 24 Julai ini.
Local-born Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abd Rahman, 37, is Barisan Nasional's candidate for the Kuala Besut by-election.
thestar.com.myHe was an engineeer with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage in Putrajaya.
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"He (Tengku Zaihan) is contesting for the party and not for himself. His victory is for the party and a win is very important for Barisan so that we can continue to bring about development and prosperity to the people of Kuala Besut," Muhyiddin Yassin said.
thestar.com.myBesut MP Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (pix) has a target for Barisan Nasional - a 4,000 vote majority for the Kuala Besut by-election on July 24.
thestar.com.myEC cannot interfere if Terengganu state assembly is hung, says Abdul Aziz
The EC cannot interfere if the Terengganu state assembly is hung after the Kuala Besut state seat by-election on July 24, said EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.
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"If the by-election results in a hung assembly, the parties must discuss and resolve the matter themselves. The Sultan can step in if they fail to do so and if that doesn't work, then we have to call for a state election," he told a press conference, here, today.
mysinchew.comBN won 17 of the 32 contested state assembly seats in the 13th GE while Pakatan Rakyat obtained 15. The Kuala Besut by-election will be held on July 24 following the passing away of the incumbent assemblyman Dr A Rahman Mokhtar of BN, with the party now left with 16 seats.
theborneopost.com
If the opposition wins the seat, it would lead to a hung state assembly with 16 seats each. Abdul Aziz said the EC would look at redelineating the state constituency boundaries to ensure there were odd numbers of state constituencies.
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Commenting on the use of indelible ink, he said it would still be implemented in the by-election but using ink of a better quality. "This time the indelible ink will contain more silver nitrate to ensure it lasts longer and we will get it from a different supplier."
He refused to reveal the identity of the indelible ink supplier used in the 13th General Election, as there was an on-going investigations into the issue.
The EC came under fire recently after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim revealed in Parliament that the silver nitrate in the ink was replaced with food dye, making it easily removable.
Dates are set for July 12th nomination and July 24th polls
The nomination day for the Kuala Besut by-election is on July 12 (Friday) and the polling would be held 12 days later on July 24 (Wednesday), announced Election Commission (EC).
Its chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the electoral roll to be used would be the 2011 Master Electoral Roll (DPI) combined with the Supplementary Electoral Roll (DPT) of the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013.
mysinchew.comAbdul Aziz also explained that the EC does not want to prolong unofficial campaigning for the constituency.
"Right after June 26, the unofficial campaigning already started, so we don't want to prolong this.
Abdul Aziz said there would be no live coverage of the ballot counting process because if RTM were to be allowed to telecast the process, other stations would also want to do the same.
thestar.com.myCommunication and Multimedia Ministry says RTM camera may be allowed in vote counting roon
The Communication and Multimedia Ministry will discuss with the Election Commission (EC) soon to allow RTM to give ample coverage of the Kuala Besut by-election including placing its cameras in the vote counting room.
malaysiandigest.com“Even if there is a 'blackout', they will be able to view it live," said Comunication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek after opening a media seminar on the 13th general election, on Thursday.
thestar.com.myAsked whether the other media would be allowed to do the same, Ahmad Shabery said it might not be practical and would disturb EC’s work there on that day.
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The polling date is expected to be announced tomorrow after the EC's special meeting in Putrajaya.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin elected as BN's election director
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been appointed Barisan Nasional (BN) election director for the impending Kuala Besut state by-election.
Muhyiddin said he would be assisted by Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, who is also Besut Umno division head, as deputy election director.
"We are ready to face the by-election. We are banking on Idris's strength and experience as former Terengganu menteri besar to contribute significantly to the BN's victory in the by-election," Muhyiddin said.
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“We hope voters in the constituency will continue to support BN,” he told reporters after chairing a Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers and Illegal Immigrants meeting at Parliament House here, today.
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Pakatan Rakyat will support PAS to run in Kuala Besut by-election
PKR will support PAS to put up its candidate to stand in the upcoming Kuala Besut state seat by-election.
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PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali, met at the Parliament lobby here today, said this was agreed upon unanimously by the PKR leadership yesterday.
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This was in stark contrast to the statement by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng yesterday, suggesting that Kuala Besut PAS boycott the by-election as a sign of protesting the Election Commission's (EC) "dirty tactics" during the recent 13th General Election (GE).
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Commenting on Lim's statement, Mohamed Azmin said: "That is a personal view and he will propose to the Pakatan Council...we will hear his reasons."
Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan says Kuala Besut by-election result will not change anything
Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said although the position would end up 16-16 should the opposition win the seat, the State Assembly Speaker Mohd Zubir Embong would make it 17-16 to keep BN in power.
Image via myinstantcdn.comThe result of the Kuala Besut by-election will not lead to a change of the Terengganu state government led by the Barisan Nasional (BN).
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Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan said although the position would end up 16-16 should the opposition win the seat, the State Assembly Speaker Mohd Zubir Embong would make it 17-16 to keep BN in power.
It was enough for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said to form the Terengganu state government.
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Ahmad who is also Deputy Minister of Finance said the result of the Kuala Besut by-election was very important to BN to ensure political stability in Terengganu.
"BN is ready to face the by-election and does not rule out the possibility it will be held during Ramadan (fasting month)".
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Kuala Besut by-elections to be held by August 27
The late Kuala Besut State Assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Mokhtar being sworn in on June 16.
Image via abnxcess.comThe by-election for the Kuala Besut state seat will be held by August 27 after the notification of its vacancy was received by the state Election Commission (EC) at 10am today.
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The Kuala Besut by-election must be held by Aug 27 as stipulated in the Terengganu constitution.
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Article 44 (5) of the state constitution denotes that any vacancies in the state assembly must be filled within 60 days.
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"I will forward the notice today and the EC chairman will make the announcements. I was informed that the EC will have pre-meeting tomorrow," Fakhrul Razi said.
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Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh says BN is confident of winning the state seat again
The Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of retaining the Kuala Besut state seat in an impending by-election as it has always been its stronghold, said Member of Parliament for Besut Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
"I know the constituents well and understand this area... let the opposition pact says anything they want.
"Most important, the constituents appreciate the good deeds done by the BN government for them over the years," he told reporters at Parliament lobby here today.
Idris, who is Besut Umno division head and second education minister, said the division would hold a meeting by the end of the week to map out election strategies and reactivate the election machinery. "We will work hard to defend the seat".
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PAS commissioner says it is not impossible for PAS to win
In KUALA TERENGGANU, Terengganu PAS commissioner Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut said despite winning the seat only twice in 13 general elections, it was not impossible for PAS to win for the third time.
"We will work hard and God willing, we will create an upset in Kuala Besut. I want PAS branches in Kuala Besut to start making preparation," he told reporters at a news conference at the PAS Kuala Ibai Office yesteray.
What happens if PAS wins Kuala Besut?
With his death, the state BN hangs precariously to power with 16 seats against Pakatan Rakyat's 15 (PAS 14 while PKR one).
Mohd Abdul Wahid, who is also Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman, said if PAS were to wrest the seat from the BN, it would change the state's political landscape as both parties would be tied with 16 seats.
"If this were to happen, we will refer the matter to the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin and seek legal advice. It had never happened before," said Mohd Abdul Wahid.
bernama.com.my
EC says they will use indelible ink for this by-elections
“Yes, the indelible ink will be used,” said vice-chairman of the Election Commission Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar (pic) when contacted by The Malaysian Insider yesterday.
EC chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said it has not made any decision on the matter, Sinar Harian reported.
“Possibly a decision will be made next week,” the EC chief said.
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Kuala Besut state assemblyman Dr A. Rahman Mokhtar (BN) passed away on Jun 26
The Kuala Besut state seat fell vacant after its assemblyman, Dr A Rahman Mokhtar died of a lung cancer at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.
The Kuala Besut seat fell vacant following the death of Dr A. Rahman Mokhtar, 55, on Wednesday. He retained the seat in the general election by beating PAS’ Napisah Ismail with a majority of 2,434 votes.
thestar.com.my
Two-term assemblyman A. Rahman, 55, of the BN retained the seat after beating Napisah Ismail of PAS with a 2,434-vote majority in the 13th general election on May 5.
