PH in for its biggest test yet in Penang, say analysts
Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University and Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia say that as a team, Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional can draw a substantial proportion of Malay votes from Pakatan Harapan.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) faces a significant challenge in retaining Penang from a potential takeover by the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional (BN-PN) alliance, according to political analysts Wong Chin Huat and Azmil Taib. The Malay votes, which constitute 63.6% of the electorate in Bayan Lepas and 53.1% in Batu Maung, are believed to be key in the upcoming elections.
Wong suggests that PH might lose these two seats, but still retain a comfortable majority of 25 out of 40 seats in the state assembly. However, to prevent any further losses, PH must motivate non-Malay voters to cast their votes in their favor. The political scientists advise PH to adopt a "people-centric" agenda, emphasizing issues such as equality, social justice, public welfare, and affordability.
They also caution against relying on economic achievements as a sole factor to win over voters, as the previous government's economic success did not prevent the BN-PN alliance from taking control of Negeri Sembilan. Wong and Azmil believe that the battle is not lost, but PH must handle sensitive cultural issues with caution to avoid being perceived as neglecting its electorate.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
