NIBONG TEBAL: Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election, Dr Joohari Ariffin, is no ordinary person, PKR Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek said.
The Education Minister said Joohari used to serve with her in the Education Ministry before retiring, and his last position was the director of Institut Aminuddin Baki.
She said Joohari, who once managed and administered Institut Aminuddin Baki, had particular expertise, especially in the field of education.
She said as Saifuddin (PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) rightly pointed out, Joohari had completed all his studies. (Joohari holds a doctorate degree).
"At this time, the people need a leader who is intelligent and has character.
"This message needs to reach all the voters of Sungai Bakap that this candidate (Joohari) is intelligent and has character. His authority, politeness and high intellect are our main bet to present a candidate who truly has high credibility.
"As the Education Minister, I am concerned if our candidate is being questioned since we are building a generation that truly lifts education as a very important issue.
"What guarantee do we give to the children of Sungai Bakap? With a candidate who has the best education and over 30 years of experience in managing education, what does this mean? It means a guarantee of education, a guarantee related to the future of our children. And no one understands this education issue better than Joohari," she said in her ceramah here last night, adding that she was confident that Joohari could provide the best service for the children of Sungai Bakap.
Fadhlina said she heard many issues during the campaigning period for the by-election but there was no issue from the opposition that could undermine Joohari's credibility.
She said national issues had also been fully addressed at the ministry or ministerial level.
"Today (yesterday), the Prime Minister also responded very well to issues raised in Parliament.
"Therefore, it must be conveyed to the people that we do not want divisive issues or accusations that undermine our morals as Muslims to be used in this election.
"This by-election is about administration and management. Therefore, what we want to highlight is the competency, we want to cultivate or emphasise the ability to lead.
"What we want to highlight is the quality of how our candidate performs, which is a stake and must be chosen by the people. Therefore, it is important to convey my message to all our voters that Joohari is the most qualified person to lead the Sungai Bakap state seat," she added.
Fadhlina said today (yesterday) marked fourth day of campaigning, urging the election machinery to increase the momentum.
Joohari is engaged in a straight fight with Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail for the Sungai Bakap state seat.
The Election Commission has fixed polling day on July 7.
Political analysts had said that there was equal chance for both candidates to win the by-election.
They also said both candidates fulfilled the "winnable candidate" criteria for their respective party.