Hands off Seberang Jaya seat, PAS Youth man tells Gerakan

PAS Youth chief Aiman Shamsul Bahrin has cautioned Gerakan against attempting to take the Seberang Jaya state seat in the upcoming Penang elections. Bahrin argued that Seberang Jaya is a Malay-majority constituency that was previously won by Bersatu, factors which should be taken into account when strategizing for victory in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance.

He emphasized that Gerakan's move to contest Seberang Jaya goes against the spirit of collaboration within PN. Bahrin suggested that Gerakan should instead focus on areas with larger non-Malay electorates to build its influence and support. He warned that such a move could be perceived as inciting internal competition and division within PN, a time when people desire a robust opposition coalition.

Bahrin pointed out a past example where PN's decision to field Gerakan's president, Dominic Lau, in the Malay-majority Bayan Lepas seat backfired, leading to their defeat. He cautioned that internal conflicts within PN in seats with winning potential could benefit the opposition alliance Pakatan Harapan. Seberang Jaya is one of three state seats within the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency, currently represented by PAS's Fawwaz Jan.

The present Seberang Jaya assemblyman, Izhar Shah Arif Shah of Bersatu, may face challenges as his party's rift with PAS may lead to a fight for Bersatu seats.