Unofficial count shows BN ahead of PAS in Kelantan state polls

PETALING JAYA – In a stunning reversal of fortune, Barisan Nasional (BN) has unofficially emerged victorious in the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan, Malaysia, snatching the seat from Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS).

Barisan candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani has managed to garner a simple majority, according to updates via Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s Facebook live stream from BN’s Nenggiri operations room.

The atmosphere was jubilant at the room, with supporters cheering, chanting and clapping in unison as they celebrated their victory.

Among leaders in the room were Dr Asyraf and Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

As of 7.40pm, unofficially, Mr Mohd Azmawi has 7,931 votes, while PAS candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, who is representing Perikatan, has 5,067 votes.

Barisan has also won in 17 of the 20 polling centres so far.

Turnout was recorded at above 71 per cent as of 4pm, which the Election Commission said is higher than the 61.09 per cent during the state elections in 2023.

According to calculations based on the estimated final turnout, the threshold for a simple majority is around 7,200 votes.

Mr Mohd Azmawi’s victory means that Barisan has managed to secure its third seat in the Kelantan state assembly. The remaining 42 out of 45 seats are held by Perikatan.

This is also the first by-election since the 15th General Election in which the incumbent party lost to a challenger.

The Nenggiri by-election was called after the seat was declared vacant by Kelantan state assembly speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah on June 19.

This decision came after former Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim ceased to be a member of Bersatu on June 13.

He contested the Nenggiri seat under a PAS ticket in the Kelantan state polls in 2023 where he defeated Barisan candidate Ab Aziz Yusoff by a slim majority of 810 votes.

Before Mr Mohd Azizi won the seat, Barisan held the Nenggiri state seat for four terms.

Throughout the two-week campaigning period, heavyweight figures from both Barisan and Perikatan were present to boost their campaigns.

On Barisan’s side, leaders such as Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Gua Musang division chief Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah made appearances.

Perikatan brought in the coalition chairman and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.

Earlier on Aug 17, the 20 polling centres opened at 8am, with 14 closing at 6pm. Six others closed earlier due to a lower number of voters in the area.

No early voting was opened for this by-election, with 14 police personnel having voted by post.

This is the ninth by-election following the 15th General Election, with previous ones held for Kuala Terengganu (parliamentary constituency) in Terengganu; Simpang Jeram (state constituency) and Pulai (Parliament) in Johor; Pelangai (state) in Pahang; Jepak (state) in Sarawak; Kemaman (Parliament) in Terengganu; Kuala Kubu Baharu (state) in Selangor; and Sungai Bakap (state) in Penang. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK