ALOR SETAR: Datuk Mahfuz Omar, the head of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity pact, believes that forming the new Kedah government with a simple majority is within reach in the upcoming election on Saturday (Aug 12).
Mahfuz, who is also the state Pakatan chairman, stated that this would depend on securing victory in three seats where the margin is still small at present.
Speaking at a press conference held at Kedah Umno headquarters on Wednesday (Aug 9), he said, “As of now, God willing, we are confident that we can achieve (a simple majority).”
Although he did not disclose the names of the three seats in question, Mahfuz revealed that the unity partners are working diligently to secure a comfortable margin in those seats.
It is believed that the seats Mahfuz referred to are Kuah, Ayer Hangat, and Guar Chempedak, where the incumbents are all from components of Perikatan Nasional’s Bersatu.
Mahfuz, who is also the Amanah vice president, added that it would be a bonus if the unity pact manages to win more than 19 seats, which is the minimum requirement for a simple majority in the 36-seat legislative assembly.
He stated, “We don’t want to chase big numbers … (it is) enough for us to focus on three more seats, and we can form the new state government with a simple majority.”
This is not the first time that the unity pact’s leadership has expressed confidence in wresting control of the state from Perikatan, which currently holds 20 incumbents heading into the polls.
On Monday (Aug 7), PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the pact could win at least 19 seats.
Furthermore, the unity pact will decide on the mentri besar (Chief Minister) once victory is achieved, according to Kedah Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
He said, “A list of three names will be put forward as possible candidates to the Kedah Ruler, who will decide on the mentri besar when the new state government is formed.”
Mahdzir previously mentioned that as the campaign enters its second week, the unity pact has received positive feedback from voters.
He stated that reports from the machinery in each constituency indicate that voters are aware of the importance of aligning the state government with Putrajaya (the federal government).
“The support has progressively improved among all races,” he added.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
