The almost 20 years of experience in serving the Permatang Pauh residents will help Barisan Nasional candidate for the Permatang Pauh by-election, Suhaimi Sabudin, stand in good stead.

Although this is his first contest in an election, Suhaimi, 43, is convinced that his efforts and service to the people all this while would get the attention of the voters who would determine today the elected representative for the constituency.

"I have been working in UMNO for almost 20 years, beginning from the Youth level to being secretary of the Permatang Pauh division, serving all residents in the constituency regardless of their race," he told reporters at the BN operations centre, here Wednesday.

He said in his campaign since April 25, he met many residents and voters who said they wanted a representative who could help them.

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Recognising the tough challenge in penetrating the PKR stronghold, Suhaimi said he was prepared to overcome his weaknesses so as to provide the best service in the Permatang Pauh constituency.

"Initially, you all have seen that I was not good with my speeches.

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I stand as a local candidate to protect the welfare of the people in the constituency
”
- Suhaimi

"But until yesterday (Tuesday), I have gained a lot of experience from the campaign to improve on this weakness," he told reporters.

Suhaimi said the BN victory in Rompin on Tuesday showed that BN was capable of convincing the people and he was confident that voters in Permatang Pauh would be wise by voting BN.

He said he was willing to face all the challenges in fighting for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat although it was a PKR stronghold, to ensure the interests of people in the area were safeguarded.

"I stand as a local candidate to protect the welfare of the people in the constituency.

"In addition, the BN representative will have good relations with the federal government and its representatives. I am determined to bring development back to Permatang Pauh which has been neglected for the past 17 years," he added.