KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan's decision to field caretaker Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun in Linggi while placing his political secretary in Sikamat is risky.
International Islamic University Malaysia political scientist Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said Linggi, a traditional Barisan Nasional stronghold, would present a tougher challenge for Aminuddin.
"It can only pay off if Aminuddin's personal brand is strong enough, which he does have as a menter besar," she told the New Straits Times yesterday.
Syaza likened Aminuddin's move to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision to contest the Tambun parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election.
"Even for Anwar, it was difficult, and I am sure it would be just as difficult, if not more difficult, for Aminuddin.
"But if he wins, it pays off."
Syaza said Aminuddin and PH would need to highlight his development record and legitimacy as the state leader to convince voters in Linggi.
On Sikamat, which Aminuddin has represented for several terms, Syaza said fielding his political secretary there could increase the risk for PH, although the seat remained relatively safer due to Aminuddin's personal connection with voters.
"The question is whether voters see Sikamat as a PH seat or whether they are voting based on Aminuddin's track record."
However, she said appointing his political secretary as the candidate could help PH retain the seat due to the existing personal link between the candidate and Aminuddin.
"The personal link might reduce the risk for PH."
Aminuddin will contest the Linggi seat in the state election, moving away from his traditional stronghold of Sikamat.
Aminuddin's political secretary, Nor Azman Mohamad, will instead contest the Sikamat seat.
Sikamat has been Aminuddin's seat for four consecutive terms since 2008, first winning it in the 12th General Election. - NST
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