Teluk Intan by-election: Victory a turning point for Gerakan, say analysts

(The Star) – Datuk Mah Siew Keong’s victory in the recent Teluk Intan by-election marks a turning point for Gerakan and an opportunity for the party to prove themselves to the people, said analysts.

Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said choosing the Gerakan president in the by-election was the best decision voters there had made.

“Mah has much more experience, stature and local knowledge – that is the factor which aided him to win back the votes Barisan previously lost,” he said when contacted by The Star.

Commenting on DAP candidate, Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, Khoo said she was capable, but her ideas were too abstract.

“People need something they can relate to in tangible terms. Ultimately, what voters want is someone reliable and who will work towards solving their issues.

Khoo added that the Mah should use this opportunity effectively to help catalyse change.

Another analyst, Dr James Chin, said Mah victory would benefit the constituency greatly.

“Considering his experience in Government and his involvement in the Cabinet, Mah will know how to channel the necessary funds to his constituency and manage it accordingly to sustain its well-being.

Dr Chin added that the people voted for Mah instead of Dyana because they were looking at national issues.

“The last time around, DAP was highly dependent on votes from their outstation constituents, but they failed to return and vote during the by-election.

“Considering the influence Umno has on the constituency, Mah’s win was inevitable,” he added.

On Saturday, Mah won the Teluk Intan parliamentary by-election with a 238-vote majority over DAP’s Dyana Sofya.

He polled 20,157 votes while Dyana Sofya had 19,919 votes. There were 543 spoilt votes.