Letter to editor
THE upcoming six state polls is indeed a critical moment for both the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition which came together as one in Putrajaya for the first time in history.
The outcome of the state elections in Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will serve as a benchmark to the coalition’s performance in spearheading the unity government as well as to gauge its chances of winning the next national polls slated for 2026.
The key to success in any election lies in having well-planned campaign strategies and executing them to perfection. Both PH and BN must ensure that they have a comprehensive plan to reach out to voters and are able to convey their messages effectively to the electorate.
This includes identifying key issues that resonate with voters, crafting persuasive campaign messages, and leveraging the various communication channels to reach as many voters as possible. At the end of the day, it is equally crucial that what is promised during the canvassing/campaigning stage is delivered.
Never underestimate your opponents
One thing for sure, the PH-BN coalition must be humble enough to admit that the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) is itself a force to be reckoned with. This is especially so considering PAS and the Islamist party’s hardcore-type of election machinery with their leaders seemingly been misguided or boast high tendencies of making erroneous or fake claims.
One of the biggest challenges in the forthcoming state polls is the potential for misinformation and money politics to sway voters in rural areas. In many rural areas, voters are susceptible to these tactics due to a lack of access to reliable information and resources.
It is therefore paramount for the PH-BN coalition to be aware of this and to actively combat such issues by providing accurate information, engaging with voters directly, and reporting any instances of vote-buying or other illegal activities to the Election Commission (EC) and/or other relevant authorities.
Above all else, it is vital for both PH and BN not to underestimate their opponents. While one party may have an advantage in certain areas, anything can happen in an election for the final outcome is eventually determined by the voters and their underlying sentiments.
Henceforth, the coalition which today rules the Federal government must be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances by responding to unexpected challenges as they arise.
Although the odds seem to be stacked against the PH-BN partnership, there are high chances for the coalition to wrest back opposition states like Kedah and Terengganu with proper strategising and teamwork.
At the end of the day, the upcoming six-state election heralds a critical moment for both PH and BN to test their strengths as political partners. To win big, both parties must work closely and trust each other wholesomely in addition to having a well-oiled election machinery, effective campaign strategy and never ever underestimate their opponents. – April 14, 2023
Papparaidu Veraman is the founder & advisor of Malaysian Indian Voice (MIV) and assistant organisational secretary to DAP Selangor.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: AP
