NIBONG TEBAL: Perikatan Nasional kicked off the launch of its election machinery for the Sungai Bakap state by-election with a lively display on Saturday (June 8) night.

The area, typically quiet at night and near several residential neighborhoods, became lively with at least 1,000 of the coalition’s supporters turning up.

Among the big guns spotted during the event were PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Perikatan information chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and state PAS commissioner Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff.

Also present were the local Perikatan leadership.

Earlier, at around 9 PM, a convoy of high-powered motorcycles arrived, escorting several vehicles ferrying Perikatan leaders.

Muhammad Fauzi started the event rolling by welcoming PAS and Perikatan supporters to the event.

In his speech, the Sungai Dua assemblyman recalled the moment on the day when the late Sungai Bakap assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff breathed his last at Seberang Jaya Hospital.

“I was at the first day of the state assembly, when I received the call informing me about his condition,” he said.

He said it was important for Perikatan to defend Sungai Bakap as it will enable the Opposition to raise the people’s voice in the state assembly.

Perikatan is expected to launch its election machinery later tonight.