THE coalition government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of claiming victory in three states namely Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang in the upcoming state election.
Meanwhile, it is expected that Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will continue to be ruled by Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, as seen in the outcome of the 15th general election (GE15).
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan explained that most of the non-Malay voters in Selangor and Pulau Pinang are found to be still in favour of PH while Malay voters in Negri Sembilan still support BN.
However, he said both coalitions still need one another’s support although Malay voters have rejected them and have made PN the alternative choice.
“Both BN and PH need to work together because one important factor is to attract Malay votes or halt PN and PAS’ advance in Negri Sembilan and Selangor,” he said when contacted by the Malay daily.
“If there is no cooperation, PH which comprises PKR and Amanah will not be able to attract Malay votes as compared to BN and even UMNO has a higher chance of attracting Malay votes in the current situation.”
However, Azmi said both coalitions will stand a higher chance in the next state polls when UMNO is strengthened by a new party leadership upon the conclusion of next month’s party elections.
“The opportunity to regain Malay support in state polls is expected to improve after the party polls when faction issues come to an end. Those who [win the race] will fill important vacancies especially the vice president and Supreme Council members,” he remarked.
Therefore, he said, the UMNO election results will most likely influence Malay voters in this state polls.
“If the faction problem is no longer an issue, Malay support for UMNO will return as the party currently stands a better chance of attracting Malay votes as compared to PKR and Amanah, which is why all parties need to work together,” Azmi added.
“There is a possibility that Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will remain status quo with PAS emerging victorious in the state polls and will continue to rule in all three states.
“Meanwhile, voters in Penang are found to continue supporting DAP and the same goes for Selangor and Negri Sembilan, both of which are most likely to remain with PH. However, again, it will depend on the cooperation and strength of UMNO following its party elections.” – March 1, 2023
Main pic credit: Majoriti
