It is possible for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN)
coalition to maintain its hold on parliamentary seats in Kuala Kangsar and
Sungai Besar in the by-elections on Saturday, but it won’t be easy, says an
analyst.
Political analyst Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, who has been
observing the election campaigns for the past eight days, said BN’s strength
was not based on the people’s faith in the party but on the approach of the
3Ms.
These were: money, machinery and media. Their candidates
were also a factor that could garner the support of the voters for the ruling
party.
“BN needs to work hard to ensure a bigger majority this
time; they can win with money, machinery and media and the candidate has a huge
role in influencing the voters,” he told FMT.
Explanations by BN leaders on national issues such as Goods
and Services Tax (GST), 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the RM2.6 billion
political donation to Najib Razak’s personal account – campaign fodder for the
opposition – might, to some extent, aid in the people keeping faith with BN
until the next general election.
“I think that national issues have their effects, as shown
by the appearance of the Prime Minister in Kuala Kangsar where he explained
these issues to the supporters there. So to some extent, these issues have
their impact on the voting patterns in both constituencies,” he said.
On opposition chances, Azizuddin said the three-cornered
fight between BN, PAS and Amanah gives the ruling party a small advantage from
the split in Malay votes.
He believes PAS would be the most affected. The party has
been campaigning on its proposed expansion of syariah courts’ criminal
jurisdiction, which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, but the Islamist party
lacked strength if it moved alone.
In contrast, the splinter party Amanah has been receiving
help from its allies, PKR and DAP, and have the opportunity to get non-Malay
support.
“It’s going to be quite difficult for PAS this time. I would
not be surprised if PAS comes in third place in this clash,” he said.
The Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections are being
held following the deaths of the MPs, Wan Mohamad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad and
Noriah Kasnon, in a helicopter crash in Sarawak in May.
Source –FMT-
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