In keeping MB hopes alive, Amanah seeks to get Nizar through GE14

Pakatan Harapan's menteri besar candidate for Perak has yet to be decided, but a key figure for Amanah has been Nizar Jamaluddin, who was in 2008 installed as menteri besar when the federal opposition captured the state.

His tenure lasted less than a year, following the collapse of the Pakatan Rakyat state government after the defections of DAP and two PKR assemblypersons.

Despite the collapse, Nizar, who was with PAS at that time, remained popular and won with a bigger majority in the 2009 Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election, seen as a referendum on BN's Perak coup.

But Nizar's star power appears to have faded somewhat after Pakatan failed to recapture Perak in the 2013 general elections.

His entry into splinter party Amanah following a split in PAS also made his political future tougher, on top of the occasional social media gaffe.

But for Amanah, Nizar remains the party's best hope if a potential menteri besar is to be considered from the party.

Being a splinter party, Amanah does not have the bargaining power within Harapan as PAS did within the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat.

Even though Nizar has been viewed favourably by coalition partner DAP, which traditionally controls the most seats in the Perak opposition, there are also Bersatu and PKR to consider.

Bersatu is Harapan's official leader in the state, while PKR is a more senior partner compared to Amanah.

A menteri besar from DAP in a mixed but still Malay-majority state would be considered politically untenable.

Presently, of the 24 seats Harapan controls in the 59-member state assembly, 18 are from DAP, five from PKR and one from Amanah. PAS has four state assemblypersons, while BN controls the remaining 31 seats.

Before Amanah can pitch its candidacy for menteri besar over Bersatu or PKR, it must ensure Nizar's survival in the 14th general election, which must be called by June this year.

Nizar's present state seat of Changkat Jering, which he won under the PAS ticket, is now deemed dangerous, owing to the fact that Amanah will likely be engaged in a multi-cornered fight with PAS and BN.

Changkat Jering is a state seat within the parliamentary seat of Bukit Gantang.

Proposal to shift Nizar

Perak Amanah chief Asmuni Awi confirmed to Malaysiakini that there had been proposals to move Nizar away from the rural constituency to one that is closer to the state's capital of Ipoh.

"It's not yet confirmed, but there is a likelihood," he said.

Specifically, Amanah is eyeing to field Nizar in Sungai Rapat, a more urban state seat under the parliamentary constituency of Gopeng.

The other two state seats within Gopeng – Simpang Pulai and Teja – are controlled by PKR, which have already established a strong foothold and may be able to spare some resources in Sungai Rapat.

Multiple Harapan leaders told Malaysiakini that Nizar, who is also Perak Amanah deputy chief, had in recent years conducted much grassroots works in Sungai Rapat.

It is understood that PAS still maintains a firm grip on parliamentary constituencies, such as Parit Buntar and Bukit Gantang, as well as the state seats within them, making it difficult for Amanah to convert those seats to their side.

In contrast, Amanah has been able to gain better ground in Sungai Rapat, even though it is presently a PAS seat.

The MP for the area has also noticed Nizar's presence.

"Nizar is interacting with grassroots closely. I see he has the backup from Gopeng Amanah," said PKR's Gopeng MP Dr Lee Boon Chye (photo).

When contacted, Nizar downplayed his activities in the state constituency.

"It so happens that I stay in Sungai Rapat, whenever I go to the market for dinner, they will see me there.

"I am an (Amanah) member in Sungai Rapat, Gopeng. Whenever there is a party programme, I have to attend in the area," he said.

Nizar also declined to confirm or deny if he will be moving to Sungai Rapat, insisting that the final say lies with Amanah.

"It depends on the party decision. I would prefer Changkat Jering, as I have been there for almost five years," he said.

Redelineation hurdle

However, Nizar conceded that it will be a challenge for him in his old seat, as many of Harapan's supporters would be moved to the neighbouring state seat of Aulong once the redelineation process is completed.

"A great number of voters has been moved to Aulong, and if this carries on, then I will be out.

"Sungai Rapat is a mixed constituency and a suburban area, hence the voters are better exposed, and there is a better chance. By contrast, Changkat Jering is a very remote kampung, (voters) only depend on TV3 and Utusan Malaysia (for information), so it is quite difficult," he said.

Aulong is a state seat under the parliamentary constituency of Taiping.

The opposition has accused BN the and Election Commission of shifting opposition supporters from marginal seats to opposition strongholds, in an attempt to contain opposition support in selected seats.

According to data from the last general election, Changkat Jering voters comprise 63 percent Malays, 26 percent Chinese and 11 percent Indians. As for Sungai Rapat, it comprises 59 percent Malays, 31 percent Chinese, and 10 percent Indians.

If Nizar can come up victorious in GE14, DAP, which was happy with his tenure as menteri besar despite being short-lived, is likely to favour him once more.

The perception is so widespread that speculation has begun to surface of DAP surrendering one of its safe seats for Nizar.

Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming (photo) denied this, however, pointing out that it was a politically risky move, as it would open Amanah to accusations of being a DAP puppet.

"Nizar will contest in Amanah seat to avoid Umno's smear campaign.

"Nizar is a well-known figure in Perak, his progressive image is popular among the public. We think Nizar has good chance to win in the (Amanah) seat he contests," he said.

-Mkini