After a court decision that nullified his uncontested win as Rantau state assemblyman on Friday (Nov 16), Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan says he is sure that the seat will remain his, contested or uncontested.
And it would be a sweeter victory if he got a good majority, he said.
“Don’t ask the obvious questions,” said Mohamad when asked if he was ready to put up a fight for the seat.
“I don’t care about the majority, but it will be a sweeter win if I get a good majority.
“My machinery has always been on the ground, and I hope I will be able to retain my seat,” said Mohamad, who was Negri Sembilan mentri besar for three terms.
The Umno deputy president said he was all prepared and would ensure that the seat remained his, as it has been for the past 14 years.
Following the petition by Dr S Streram, his opponent in the constituency, the Special Election Court ruled as null and void Muhamad’s unopposed win during the 14th General Election on May 9, 2018.
Dr Streram was denied entry to submit his nomination form because he did not have a tag or pass and was subsequently disqualified from contesting.
He named Mohamad as the first respondent, Rembau parliamentary constituency returning officer Amino Agus Suyub as the second respondent and the Election Commission as the third respondent.
Mohamad said he it would a different battle this time as he was now in the opposition camp.
However, his spirit had not been dampened in any way as he believes Rantau is his territory.
On whether he had the full strength of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) behind him in the by-election, Mohamad said he did not see why not.
“You cannot equate a by-election with the general election,” he said.
He said that even if he had to go into battle on his own, he would do so.
Mohamad said he would consult his lawyers on whether to appeal the decision within the stipulated 14-day period whereas Streram hoped that he would be fielded again.
In the 2013 general election, the former menteri besar won the seat with a 4,613 vote majority against PKR’s Aishah Lamsah.
Meanwhile, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the Special Election Court’s decision to nullify the GE14 results for the seat was expected and that the BN machinery would be fully activated for the impending by-election.
“Umno will nominate Mohamad again. The BN machinery will be fully deployed.
“Despite the roadblocks and hitches, the Rantau seat must be defended. For the dignity and continuity of Umno/BN, let us strengthen our unity,” he added.