State Polls Salahuddin S Demise Affects Amanah S Campaign

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Amanah has regarded the death of its deputy president Salahuddin Ayub as a significant loss for the party in gearing up for the upcoming state elections.
Party vice-president Mahfuz Omar said Salahuddin had a major responsibility in handling elections in the six states, particularly in Kelantan and Terengganu.
He said that Salahuddin was a leader who showed great commitment in carrying out his responsibilities.
“Salahuddin was the chairperson of Amanah’s national election committee and was responsible for selecting candidates for the state elections, and I was a part of that.
“He was later tasked to monitor Kelantan and Terengganu. So it has certainly affected matters,” he told Malaysiakini.
Mahfuz said this when asked to comment on whether Salahuddin’s death has impacted Amanah and Pakatan Harapan’s state polls campaign.
The domestic trade and costs of living minister passed away on Saturday night after suffering a brain haemorrhage the day before.
Amanah vice-president Mahfuz OmarMahfuz said Amanah needs to find a replacement to take over Salahuddin’s election responsibilities.
"Perhaps the new person may not have the same level of commitment as he did, but we have to find someone else.
"However, InsyaAllah, we will continue with the spirit that Salahuddin had, meaning that the spirit is still alive and we will build strength to ensure our success," he added.
Salahuddin elevated Amanah
The loss of the two-time Pulai MP came as a great shock, Mahfuz said, adding that the minister had lifted Amanah’s status as a party to greater heights.
“I saw the large number of people accompanying Salahuddin's burial and paying their final respects, even though he was just an ordinary leader, a small leader, not a prime minister or a statesman.
“Yet, the way people paid their respects showed that he elevated himself and the status of Amanah party,” he added.
Meanwhile, Amanah secretary-general Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli is determined not to let Salahuddin's contributions go to waste.
“Salahuddin was one of the leaders who carried the party's banner in our struggle in this election. He worked hard to lay the foundation for the party to contest in this election and together fought for seats and prepared candidates.
“His loss is deeply felt and if left unattended, it will cause significant damage to the party and the country," he said.
Hatta said Salahuddin performed his tasks very well.
“Even though he is no longer with us, his efforts are deeply felt. So, it will also have a positive impact on the party and the unity government."
Amanah secretary-general Dr Mohd Hatta RamliHatta added that Salahuddin's efforts during his lifetime will undoubtedly help secure victory for Amanah and its coalition partners.
"The people, especially the B40 group, youth, and students, felt the impact of his actions as a minister who brought about good fortune, controlled prices of goods, ensured a steady supply in the market, and promptly addressed any reports of shortages or price increases of essential items.
“This has an impact, and I believe the people will not only value him highly but also value this unity government. InsyaAllah, they will remember his services and support the efforts he initiated, which others will now carry on,” he said.
Kelantan Harapan election director Shamsudin Ghani also described Salahuddin’s death as a significant blow to the party’s election campaign.
However, Negeri Sembilan Harapan election director Dr Mohd Azam Hamzah has a different opinion.
“Yes, we lost a leader who was very committed to the election campaign, but his loss will not have a very significant impact on Harapan because we are campaigning as Harapan and not as individual parties,” he said. - Mkini

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