PAKATAN Harapan (PH) is banking on young voters to give it an advantage in the Sungai Bakap by-election tomorrow.

Both PH candidate Joohari Ariffin and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said these young voters must cast their ballots if they appreciated the hard work of the unity government.

They also want those who are working or studying elsewhere to return home to vote.

Joohari said the support of young voters would augur well for the future of Sungai Bakap.

He promised to set up a one-stop centre for youth to acquire skills if he won.

“Technical and vocational training, as well as computer literacy can provide skills which can lead to quality jobs,” he promised young voters.

To attract them, Joohari has been approaching them online.

He recently connected with those interested in digital sports through programmes involving e-sports tournaments.

“This is one of the approaches we are using, besides social media, to get close to young people,” he said.

Joohari is in a straight fight against Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate and Nibong Tebal PAS vice-chairman Abidin Ismail in this by-election.

The Sungai Bakap seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff (PAS/PN) on May 24.

The state constituency has 39,279 registered voters, of which almost 60% are Malays, followed by Chinese (22.54%), Indians (17.39%), and others (0.71%).

There are many young voters in this constituency, which is known for its industries and factories.

Meanwhile, Chow said that usually in a by-election where the stakes are lower, the voter turnout is around an average of 65% but PH wanted it higher at 70% to stake a stronger claim. 

“We are anticipating a close fight. Every vote counts and we want our supporters and those who believe in our cause of a better Malaysia to come back and vote,” he said.

He added that PH faced an uphill battle as it lost by 1,500 votes in the last state elections, but he was confident of a good showing.

Political analyst Rahmad Isahak said the turnout level could depend on how young people connected to the current issues being raised.

He said there were many Malay-centric issues that dominated the election campaign.

Previously, Undi18 said it had started holding various online programmes through social media to get young voters to return for the Sungai Bakap by-election.  

It said it was expecting the youth voter turnout rate to be around 55% since many are working and studying away from home.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reminded Sungai Bakap voters, especially the youth, to give Joohari an opportunity to represent them so that more infrastructure programmes could be implemented comprehensively. – July 5, 2024.