The Kajang by-election, mired in controversy and surrounded by political intrigue on both sides, ended last night with Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, president of PKR and stand-in for her husban Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Kajang race, defeating Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun of the MCA.
Out of a total of 23,314 votes, Dr Wan Azizah garnered 16,741 to retain the seat for her Pakatan Rakyat coalition, while MCA vice-president Chew secured 11,362. 176 ballots cast were spoilt.
This places Wan Azizah’s majority at 5,379 votes, a reduction of 2,830 votes or 14.4% from the last Kajang election during GE13, when Lee Chin Cheh of PKR won by a margin of 6,824 votes in a six-way contest.
Chew expressed her appreciation for the support, help and guidance she received from the Barisan Nasional election machinery during the two weeks of her campaign.
“Even though BN did not win, we managed to reduce the majority of the opposition and obtain a higher percentage of the Chinese votes as compared to the 13th General Election,” she said.
Chew also hoped Wan Azizah would carry out her duties as Kajang state assemblyperson with full dedication and fulfil the promises she had made in her manifesto.
Likewise, Wan Azizah also prioritised the promises in her manifesto and the efforts needed to bring them to fruition for her new constituency.
“There are priorities that we have to look into, such as cleanliness and road congestion here,” she told reporters.
Opposition chief Anwar Ibrahim said Pakatan Rakyat actually expected the reduction in majority percentage which was caused by voters being outside Kajang.
“We are very satisfied, the result is very reassuring as it shows the support of the voters for us,” he said.
Story: Bernama
