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BERA – Caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has pledged to continue looking after the people of Pahang if Barisan Nasional (BN) secures a victory in the national polls (GE15).
Speaking during his campaign here last night, he emphasised that as a Bera native, he will ensure that the state will be at the forefront of government development initiatives.
“Those who stand to benefit the most are the people of Bera and Pahang…if BN wins and I am made prime minister again,” he said to rousing cheers from the crowd.
He cited how he had favoured his home state when discussions arose regarding building a new international airport in the country.
“Two other states were also interested in having an international airport, but Pahang has an advantage…since I am from here, I approved the airport to be built in Kuantan.”
The RM2 billion Kuantan International Airport, which is expected to be fully operational by 2026, received the approval of the National Physical Planning Council, chaired by Ismail Sabri in October last year.
Besides that, Ismail Sabri, who is also the incumbent MP here, reminded voters that as BN’s prime minister candidate and “poster boy”, he has an edge over the two challengers for the parliamentary seat.
“If (my opponents in Bera) win the parliamentary seat, there is no guarantee that they will have a ministerial position.
“But (BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) has reiterated that Ismail Sabri from Bera will be prime minister if BN wins GE15.”
Zahid had repeatedly assured that Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri remained the coalition's sole candidate for prime minister, amid speculation that the former might be gunning for the position.
Ismail Sabri’s challengers looking to end his four-term hold on Bera are Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Abas Awang and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Datuk Asmawi Harun.
Additionally, Ismail Sabri said PH’s brief time in Putrajaya following the 2018 general election was a blessing in disguise, as the people can now evaluate which government served them better.
“In the 22 months (when PH governed the country), the economy was in shambles, and Bera did not see any benefits.
“When I dissolved Parliament (on October 10), I did so with the confidence that if given a chance, the people will come back to BN because of the good we have done.
Malaysians will cast their ballots on November 19, with early voting set for November 15. – The Vibes, November 11, 2022
