Amirudin poster boy for KKB polls, not Anwar

KKB BY-ELECTION | Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, not Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, will be the coalition government’s face for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Amanah Youth chief Mohd Hasbie Muda said Amiruddin (above, centre) was picked to become the “poster boy” because he has served longer as menteri besar compared to Anwar as prime minister.

“At this point, the people are more familiar with the impact or programmes organised by the Selangor government over the past several years.”

On the same note, the senator admitted that defending the state seat would be an uphill task, noting there are “challenges” with regard to Malay votes.

Kuala Kubu Baharu is a mixed seat with a voter breakdown of Malay (46 percent), Chinese (30 percent) and Indian (18 percent) and others (6 percent).

While aiming for an 80 to 85 percent turnout rate, Hasbie appeared optimistic that more voters would cast their ballots compared to the Malacca and Johor elections.

The 2021 Malacca election voter turnout was 65.85 percent, while the Johor election in 2022 registered a 54.92 percent turnout rate.

Hasbie is hopeful that the voters residing outside would return on polling day, especially those residing in the Klang Valley.

Ending identity politics

The Amanah Youth chief also had a message for non-Malay constituents reluctant to vote in this election.

“If we lose, Perikatan Nasional will use this as ammunition to continue playing up the issue of changing the government and creating instability.

"It will burden the rakyat, this is what we want to prevent," he added.

Amanah Youth chief Mohd Hasbie Muda

Hasbie emphasised that the result of the Kuala Kubu Baharu election is vital to ending identity politics, which is being played up by the opposition.

“Pakatan Harapan is not offering the moon and stars or a magical formula to change the country overnight. However, what is important is that we will never allow identity politics, politics that divide the people,” he stressed.

Yesterday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hinted that Anwar would not be present during the campaign in the Kuala Kubu Baharu polls. - Mkini