PETALING JAYA: Political analysts have highlighted that promoting inclusivity, moderation, and progressive development is crucial to prevent Perikatan Nasional’s “green wave” from reaching Penang’s Malay heartland.
Dr Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar from International Islamic University Malaysia stated that Perikatan’s PAS would rely on its 3P (PAS, padi, pondok) tag to gain support in these Malay-majority seats.
He emphasized that the 3Ps were instrumental in helping PAS secure seats in Kedah and mainland Penang in the previous general election.
“If the green wave spreads, it will polarize Penang. The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition will face difficulties in regaining support from Malay voters,” he explained.
Tunku Mohar added that it would not be challenging for PAS to convince its supporters, who have received traditional religious education (pondok) in rural areas (padi), to fulfill their “religious duty” during the polls.
In response, he advised the Pakatan-Barisan pact not to counter PAS’ 3P or try to prove that it is more Malay or Islamic.
“Instead, it should promote the values of moderation and offer policies that ensure all ethnic groups, including Malays, are treated with respect and have their needs addressed by the unity government,” he stated.
Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb, a senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), acknowledged that the green wave might have an impact on Penang’s Malay rural heartland. However, he asserted that Barisan still holds strong positions in areas such as Kepala Batas and can provide strong competition.
To counter the green wave’s spread, he suggested that the ruling coalition address the narrow ethno-religious narrative presented by Perikatan and its allies.
“Pakatan-Barisan needs to ensure voters that Penang will remain progressive and inclusive, based on sound people-centred economic policies,” he emphasized.
Azmil predicted that Pakatan-Barisan would retain Penang, but with a reduced majority of 30 seats, with 10 going to Perikatan.
Penang’s mainland has 11 Malay-majority state seats – Penaga, Pinang Tunggal, Bertam, Permatang Berangan, Sungai Dua, Teluk Ayer Tawar, Seberang Jaya, Permatang Pasir, Penanti, Sungai Bakap, and Sungai Acheh.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, a political scientist from the University of Malaya, proposed a drastic measure to halt the green wave in Penang.
“Pakatan should announce something it has never done before, like naming Zairil Khir Johari as the new chief minister candidate,” he suggested, referring to the DAP state executive councillor in charge of infrastructure and transport.
He believed that this move could prevent the wave not only in Malay-majority areas but also in non-Malay majority areas.
Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, a political scientist from USM, emphasized the significance of non-Malay votes and noted the need for Barisan to learn from the loss of parliamentary seats.
“Barisan must avoid infighting or sabotage and must encourage non-Malay supporters to come out and vote,” he advised.
Azmil Hassan, a senior fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, stated that PAS aims to solidify its gains from the previous general election by winning Tasek Gelugor, Kepala Batas, and Permatang Pauh state seats.
He urged Pakatan-Barisan to use Kedah as a model to showcase that development would stagnate under PAS and that Penang would be dependent on its leaders.
“It needs to be demonstrated that it would not be favorable if PAS takes over Penang. There should be a narrative indicating that PAS is the dominant party in Perikatan, and the chief minister candidate will be from PAS if they win,” he concluded.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
