KEMAMAN, December 3 — Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, the Menteri Besar of Terengganu, clinched victory in the Kemaman parliamentary by-election for PAS with a resounding majority of over 37,000 votes, according to official results from the Election Commission (EC). In a straight contest against Barisan Nasional candidate Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, who secured 27,778 votes, Samsuri emerged victorious with 64,998 votes, commanding a vote majority of 37,220.
In his inaugural speech following the win, Samsuri expressed gratitude to the voters, PAS party workers, election machinery, and all public personnel involved in the electoral process, including the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the EC, and the Health Ministry. In a social media video, he remarked that the substantial majority achieved in Kemaman could be a game-changer, potentially paving the way for PAS to make strides towards Putrajaya. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang echoed appreciation for voters and congratulated the election machinery, interpreting the increased vote majority as a clear signal of public rejection towards the unity government. He added, “To Dr. Samsuri, a bigger responsibility awaits.”
During the 15th general election on November 19 last year, Terengganu PAS committee member Che Alias Hamid had won the Kemaman seat. However, on September 26 this year, the Election Court nullified Che Alias’s victory following an election petition, citing allegations of bribery in official events. As a result, today’s by-election was called to fill the vacant seat.
