ALOR STAR: Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor says that Felda schemes are no longer fixed deposit for Barisan Nasional (BN), based on Saturday's Pelangai by-election results.
Sanusi who is also Kedah Menteri Besar claimed that despite PN's defeat in Pelangai, the second and third generations of Felda settlers were more receptive towards the coalition as compared to BN.
"All Felda schemes nationwide are no longer fixed deposit for BN. In most Felda schemes, the second and third generations are more open minded.
"Intimidations, threats no longer work. They are free to make informed decision based on understanding, knowledge on latest developments. All of them (Felda settlers) will swing away from BN.
"You can no longer impose threat on them. You still have debts, you have to support (BN). After the RM8 billion debt (settlers debt) was written-off under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, they are now freed. Thus, Felda schemes are no longer fixed deposit for BN," Sanusi said in a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here today.
Sanusi added that the trend was in line with the wave of support among Malay voters towards PN nationwide.
"That is why PN won in all Felda schemes in Kedah and this will soon expand to Pahang, Perak, Johor and all Felda schemes nationwide.
"All Felda settlers are Malays. The Malays have realised the importance of protecting the interest of the Malays, they have to be with PN. Hence, they will be giving their votes to PN," he said.
Sanusi was responding to Pahang PN chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah's statement that Malay vote swing trend in Felda schemes have been in favour of PN.
Saifuddin was reported as saying that despite being defeated in the Pelangai state seat by-election on Saturday, the Malay vote swing trend in Felda schemes have been in favour of PN after the coalition secured wins at two of the three district polling centres (PDM) located at Felda settlements.
However, Pakatan Harapan (PH) communication director Fahmi Fadzil refuted Saifuddin's claims.
Fahmi was reported as saying that the outcome of the Pelangai by-election proved that the people reject racial politics, the 3R issue (race, religion and royalty) and support the Unity Government.
On Saturday, BN retained the Pelangai state seat with a 2,949 majority, a dip compared to the outcome in the 15th General Election.
BN's candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam secured 7,324 votes to beat his Perikatan Nasional (PN) rival, Kasim Samat who received 4,375 votes.
Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli bagged 47 votes.