In Kuala Kubu Baharu, support from ‘the other side’ a distant dream for PN, PH
The two opposing coalitions are capitalising on their weakest components – Amanah and Gerakan – in their bid to win Malay and non-Malay votes respectively.
(MalaysiaNow) – While Perikatan Nasional (PN) remains popular among Malay voters more than a year after missing the chance to lead the federal government, the coalition is still hoping for the support of non-Malays, who could ensure its victory in seats where Malays do not form an overwhelming majority.
This includes Kuala Kubu Baharu, the state seat in Selangor where PN will face Pakatan Harapan (PH) in a by-election next month.
There, Malays make up around 47% of the electorate.
PN, often labelled a “right-wing” Malay party, has acknowledged the importance of gaining non-Malay support.
In the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, it is expected to focus on Malay areas such as Bandar Utama Batang Kali, Ampang Pecah and Batu 30.
“But we will not abandon the 18% Indian voters and 33% Chinese voters,” said Hasnizan Mohd Harun, PN’s deputy election director for the upcoming polls.
“We want to gauge the level of non-Malay support for PN in this by-election,” the Hulu Selangor MP, who is also the Selangor PAS treasurer, told MalaysiaNow.
Hasnizan said although Malay voters form the majority in Kuala Kubu Baharu, they are more divided than the non-Malays who form a unified bloc.
PN is targeting an 85% turnout of Malay voters, more than the 70% goal set at last year’s state election.
Weak components
While PN is struggling to win the support of non-Malays who have supported DAP for more than a decade, PH is fighting for acceptance by the Malays, many of whom switched their allegiance to PN after the last general election.
