Wind of change blowing over Kedah?

Kedah PH chairman Mukhriz Mahathir says the Siamese and Malay communities are supportive of the opposition.

Mukhriz Mahathir is heartened by support from the Kedah Siamese community.

KUBANG PASU: Is a wind of change sweeping over Kedah? While these maybe early days, Kedah Pakatan Harapan chairman Mukhriz Mahathir sees apositive sign in a switch in sides by the Siamese community here.

He said that not only have those in the community become supporters,but also had become members and activists of Pakatan Harapan.

“This is good news for us, bodes well for us. This is bad news for Umno and Barisan Nasional. When you see Siamese votes swing towards us, that is a good indicator of how the rest of the voters will vote,” he told FMT.

Siamese voters make up almost 10% of the electorate in Kedah.

Mukhriz said he had spoken to the Siamese community in Kampung Kota Giam about seriously eradicating poverty in Kedah, which is still the second poorest state in the country.

“In this day and age, there should not be people living below the poverty line, and far below it. It is incumbent on the government, whoever that may be, that we fight poverty, and make sure people have
enough income so that they can make ends meet.

“Clearly BN has failed miserably on that score. We aim to rectify that problem,” he said.

As the election campaign enters its final stretch, Mukhriz said PH has been pleasantly surprised by its reception by voters, particularly from the Malay community.

Previously, the Malays had been rather held back, and would not admit that they were with Pakatan.

“But now we are past nomination day, a few days from polling (on May 9). They have shown themselves to be more open. They have no qualms coming up to us and expressing their support.

“This is really a significant swing. I am very confident that not only will we get votes from the Chinese, Indians and the Siamese, but importantly from among the Malays.

“The Malay support is critical and on an upswing,” he added.

Mukhriz, son of Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is deputy president of component party PPBM. He was formerly menteri besar of Kedah until he was expelled in 2016.

At the 2013 general election, BN held 10 of the 15 parliamentary seats in Kedah, and 20 seats in the 36-member state assembly. PAS held 7 and Pakatan Harapan 9. -FMT