Ismail Lasim says cooperation with PN gives him an advantage, while Aidil Abdullah believes Juasseh voters are discerning enough to decide for themselves. KUALA PILAH: Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Ismail Lasim is unfazed by allegations that he failed to serve his constituents during his six terms as the assemblyman for Senaling as well as Juasseh, where he has been fielded again for the Negeri Sembilan polls. Commenting on the recent appearance of banners carrying the allegations, Ismail said parties should conduct their campaigns for the election responsibly and refrain from personal attacks.
He said candidates should present their manifestos, track records and plans for the people, rather than trying to bring down their opponents through dirty tactics. "If you want to contest, do it like a gentleman. Let the people judge and make their choice based on each candidate’s capabilities," he told FMT.
Ismail served as the Senaling assemblyman from 1999 to 2018 before moving to Juasseh, where he represented the constituency from 2018 to 2023. In the 2023 state election, the Kuala Pilah Umno chief returned to contest Senaling and won with a 662 vote-majority in a straight fight against Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Amrina Khalid. He faces a three-cornered fight for Juasseh in the Aug 1 state election, against Pakatan Harapan’s Aidil Abdullah and Bersatu’s Zuhaimi Md Yusof.
Asked about his chances of retaining the seat, Ismail expressed confidence that BN could improve on its 78-vote majority from the 2023 state election, particularly given its cooperation with PN. "I have also served in Juasseh before and know the local residents well. Perhaps that gives me a slight advantage," he said.
Aidil also condemned the personal attacks against Ismail and denied PH’s involvement. We would never do something like that," he said. He described his rivals as "two giants", but said he believed Juasseh voters would not decide solely on the traditional strength of the parties.
"The voters are mature enough to make that judgment," he said, adding that candidates would need to work hard to convince voters, as voting patterns were constantly changing. In the 2023 state election, BN candidate Bibi Sharliza Khalid defeated PN’s Eddin Syazlee Shith in Juasseh by a majority of 78 votes.
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