‘Slight voter swing to BN’
A Gerakan leader and a university don feel that because of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s abrasive style some Chinese voters are seen to favour Barisan Nasional.
Hawkeye, FMT
GEORGE TOWN: If one were to believe Gerakan, there is a slight shift of Chinese support towards Barisan Nasional. They say this shift is because of Teng Chang Yeow, who was made the Penang Gerakan chief earlier this year.
Even though the shift is so slight it is enough to give BN optimism it would fare better in the coming general election, says Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Wong Mun Hoe.
Wong claims that Teng’s style has won some Chinese voters and he has united BN to take on Pakatan Rakyat.
“One important element going into any political battle is unity. Teng has restored that in BN. Also, Umno has rebranded itself to please the voters.
Wong said another factor for the slight swing is Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s tendency to be harsh towards critics.
He said Lim is forever attacking the previous state government and his partisan politics has made the average voter fed up.
“Lim should be forward-looking, but instead he is dwelling on the past. Where is the master plan for sustainable development?”
He also disputed Lim”s alleged remark that Pakatan has secured 95% of the Chinese vote bank ahead of the next election.
‘Focus on protest voters’
Wong claimed there is also a swing of Indian voters back to BN because “never in the country’s history, has there been a prime minister who has done so much for the community”.
From resolving vernacular educational issues to helping them restore their citizenship documentation, Najib has done much and is willing to do more for the Indian community, he said.
