The Challenge of Penanti

By batsman 

This is a warning. BN took a long time to finally decide whether to contest in Penanti or not. They took more than a month to agonise over it. If the PR were to dismiss their decision not to contest as mere cowardice, I believe it is over-confidence that may bring about a disaster in perception.

BN’s decision not to contest placed them in the best attack position possible. They can either move forward aggressively with lightning speed or leave the field with equal ease. 

PR’s challenge is therefore not just to win Penanti, but to do so in the best possible light – leaving the perception in the minds of the public that it is after all a mature coalition that can be trusted with wise exercise of power. 

This win has to be managed against the possibility of a full frontal attack under the guise of “independents” versus BN vacating the field altogether – from max to min effort and preparation – the extremes. 

The danger of BN vacating the field is that if PR were to employ their utmost effort, it would be perceived as if it is a David versus Goliath fight. An arrogant and powerful PR ranged against puny, weak independents. This is a perception that PR cannot afford. 

At the same time if PR were to be lax, it may face a full frontal BN campaign in support of independents. 

BN has placed itself in the best position for the battle in Penanti. PR must not be overconfident and treat it as a walkover. PR must spend lots of time agonizing over the battle plans and preparations – plan A to plan Z – maximum effort to minimum effort.