PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional voters in Selangor are gradually becoming more supportive of Pakatan Harapan, giving the component parties an advantage in the upcoming polls and increasing the chances of retaining control of the state.
This shift in support is significant because previous studies, including a recent one conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, suggested that those who voted for Barisan in the 15th General Election (GE15) would not vote for Pakatan in Selangor.
Although Pakatan and Barisan were rivals in GE15, they are now allies in the federal-level unity government and are collaborating in the Selangor elections.
The ISEAS study proposed that Selangor could be a “swing state” and change hands if Barisan voters opted for the opposition Perikatan Nasional instead of choosing Pakatan.
However, officials from Pakatan and Barisan, as well as a Malaysian polling outfit, have informed The Star that recent ground programs indicate a shifting sentiment, particularly among Malay-Muslim Barisan supporters.
Selangor Pakatan deputy chief Borhan Aman Shah mentioned that a joint Pakatan-Barisan gathering in the Malay-majority seat of Sungai Panjang attracted a substantial turnout from locals.
“The turnout was good, with around 2,000 supporters coming to see us. This is a positive development as we are only just getting started before the state polls,” said Borhan, who represents the Barisan-held constituency.
“When planning the event, we encountered no issues between Barisan and Pakatan in Selangor, indicating that both sides have set aside their egos to win the state election,” added the former Tanjong Sepat state assemblyman.
The Selangor assembly has 56 seats, 31 of which have a Malay majority. Perikatan has previously expressed confidence in winning enough Malay-majority seats to form the state government.
Perikatan’s confidence stems from its unprecedented victory in GE15, where it secured six out of Selangor’s 22 parliamentary seats, all of which were Malay-majority constituencies.
Hisomuddin Bakar from polling outfit Ilham Centre stated that their most recent survey of Malays in Selangor revealed that the majority of Barisan voters have accepted the unity government at the state level.
However, there is still a small group that remains confused about the cooperation between the two parties, according to Hisomuddin, the executive director of the centre.
“While the top leadership provided explanations about Barisan’s cooperation with DAP and PKR, the content was too technical for the people. Voters need simple answers that they can understand,” Hisomuddin explained.
Pakatan consists of PKR, DAP, and Amanah, while Barisan comprises Umno, MCA, and MIC. PAS, Bersatu, and Gerakan make up Perikatan.
Affifi Aris, a leader in Selangor Umno, stated that Barisan supporters are ready to support Pakatan, but Pakatan must make additional efforts to assist Barisan.
“This is our first trial together as a political pact, and Pakatan must work hard to clarify the accusations they made against Barisan and Umno,” said Affifi, who is the youth chief of Umno’s Kapar division.
“Umno voters are prepared to vote for Pakatan, but the coalition must ensure that their voters will cast their ballots for Barisan’s candidate,” he added.
To deepen the cooperation between Pakatan and Barisan, Borhan of Selangor Pakatan announced that the state’s joint election machinery will be launched on July 15 with matching colors.
“This will finally give the grassroots a sense of belonging when representing the unity government during the campaign. We need to demonstrate that we practice what we preach at the grassroots level,” Borhan emphasized.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
