SEREMBAN: The Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Rantau by-election which just concluded earlier today did not expect that he would lose with huge majority to Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Admitting that Mohamad, who is Umno vice-president, is not an ordinary leader, Dr S. Streram said the 4,510 majority was big and totally unexpected.
“I did not expect to lose to BN candidate with huge majority when the number of support that we received during the campaign period, especially from Indian and Chinese voters, showed an increase.
“But I accept the decision. Winning and losing are part of the game. I’m sad to lose, but I will continue to serve Rantau,” he said when met by the media in Bandar Sri Sendayan tonight.
Dr Steram, 64, garnered 5,887 votes compared to Mohamad, 62, who polled 10,397 votes.
Commenting on his participation in this by-election after losing his right to contest in the 14th General Election last year, Dr Streram said he was happy to finally be able to challenge the former Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar.
“Of course I’m very happy to be able to contest and challenge him (Mohamad). I think this is a fair game,” he said.
Dr Streram said PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has yet to contact him following the defeat but the matter would be discussed at the party’s highest level.
“My next plan is to go for a month's vacation, and then return to serve in Rantau. Tonight I will celebrate my 34th wedding anniversary with my wife,” he said.