ALOR SETAR: Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has predicted that Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional will secure at least 19 seats in Kedah in the upcoming state elections. The PKR secretary-general specifically highlighted the potential of the two state seats in Langkawi – Ayer Hangat and Kuah – to contribute to the victory of the two coalitions. Based on ground reports, Saifuddin believes that the unity partnership can achieve a simple majority by winning Kuah and Ayer Hangat.
Saifuddin made these statements during a walkabout session with Pakatan Kubang Rotan candidate Asmirul Anuar Aris at Pasar Besar on Monday (Aug 5). In the previous 14th General Election (GE14), both seats were won by Bersatu, which is part of the Perikatan coalition. However, Saifuddin emphasized that indicators now show a positive shift towards the unity pact.
Kedah, a popular tourism island, has the attention of all parties due to this positive change. Saifuddin revealed that a grand finale will be held in Kedah on the eve of the state polls (Aug 11), with the Prime Minister agreeing to attend. Additionally, the Pakatan and Barisan leaderships in the state will discuss the schedule of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s participation during the event, as a final push for votes.
In the 2018 GE14, PAS won 15 seats in Kedah, followed by PKR (eight), Bersatu (five), Umno (three), Amanah (three), and DAP (two). Saifuddin also commented on caretaker Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, noting that he is now trying to gain sympathy votes by claiming that he could be arrested at any time. However, Saifuddin called this claim an excuse and emphasized that Malaysia has free and fair election laws, allowing all candidates to engage with voters. In fact, on Sunday (Aug 6), Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden advised Muhammad Sanusi not to attend an event due to “security reasons” and the possibility of a trap being set for him.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
