Sungai Bakap by-election: Testing ground for green wave

The Sungai Bakap state by-election will serve as a test to measure the strength of the green wave and the continued influence of Pas in the area.

(Sinar Daily) – Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA) International Relations Studies Centre Head Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi said traditional support for Pas might remain strong, especially if the issues raised aligned with the values and beliefs of local voters.

“Pas, with its Islamic ideology and approach, has managed to attract support from various segments of society, particularly in more conservative areas. The green wave phenomenon has shown significant momentum in several previous elections.

“The effectiveness of the party machinery in reaching out to voters and their campaign strategy focused on religious and moral issues often serve as their main strengths,” he told Sinar.

However, Hussain acknowledged that Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin, who was a former director of the northern branch of the Aminuddin Baki institution, was a strong contender and could bring new dynamics to this by-election.

“With a strong background and a more inclusive approach, Joohari has the potential to attract support from voters who may feel the need for change or a more progressive approach.

“Furthermore, Joohari might attract the support of young and professional voters seeking an alternative to the status quo.

“If he can address the economic issues, job opportunities and social welfare concerns that are the primary worries of voters, his chances of significantly challenging Pas are high.

“It is possible that he could reduce the influence of the green wave brought by Pas,” he said.

Hussain said the Sungai Bakap by-election was not only a political battleground between the contesting candidates but also a platform for voters to express support for the ruling coalition’s approach or the alternative offered by the opposition.

He said the ruling coalition’s approach often emphasises subsidy rationalisation and economic reform measures aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing wastage.

“In contrast, the opposition often offers more populist alternatives such as maintaining broader subsidies or introducing additional incentives to alleviate the people’s burden.

“Therefore, the voters’ decision in Sungai Bakap will provide a clear indication of the future policy direction,” he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Seremban Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Policy Studies, Political Science senior lecturer Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan was of the opinion that both parties contesting in the Sungai Bakap by-election have an equal chance of winning.

“However, PN has a slight advantage in convincing voters. If PN chooses to strategise by playing on ethnicity and religion, such narratives may sway a significant portion of Malay voters,” he said.

Ariff is also optimistic that the green wave remained strong and has substantial support in Sungai Bakap.

“If they consistently question the government’s unpopular policies and add narratives such as Malay and Islamic supremacy, then this green wave will remain relevant in the hearts of voters,” he said.