As the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections on September 9 draw near, DAP is intensifying efforts to persuade overseas voters to return home and exercise their voting rights. Anthony Loke, the party’s secretary-general, expressed concerns about potential low voter turnout due to the number of voters working outside the areas or abroad. He emphasized the importance of convincing voters abroad to fulfill their responsibilities and mobilizing family members to remind them to vote.
Loke, who also serves as the Transport Minister, stressed the significance of a high voter turnout in ensuring the legitimacy of elected representatives. A lower turnout could weaken the voice of the elected representative, making it essential to target a turnout of over 70% in any election, according to Loke.
After a week of campaigning, Loke expressed optimism about PH’s chances of winning both seats. He cited the promising track records of the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, the incumbent, who was also from PH. The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections were triggered by Salahuddin’s passing on July 23 and feature a three-cornered contest involving Perikatan Nasional, BN-PH, and independent candidates.