Rantau by-election a litmus test for PH, says analyst

The by-election in Rantau, the seventh since last year’s general election, will see PH’s Dr S Streram taking on BN incumbent Mohamad Hasan. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The stakes are high, especially for Pakatan Harapan (PH), in the upcoming Rantau by-election, says political analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff.

He said if Barisan Nasional (BN) won the state seat, it would claim to have the support of both the Malays who form 54% of the voters and the non-Malays who form 46%.

“PH can’t afford to lose. If they do, it will show that they cannot stop the winning momentum of Umno-PAS,” he told FMT.

PKR’s Dr S Streram has been retained as the PH candidate for the state by-election.

An anaesthetist, he was the PKR candidate for the seat in the 14th general election but was not allowed to submit his nomination papers. He subsequently went to the Election Court which ruled the election for the seat null and void, necessitating the by-election.

Kamarul said BN’s victory would raise confidence within the opposition and enhance the Umno-PAS collaboration.

He added that incumbent Mohamad Hasan, the Umno deputy president, would leave no stone unturned to win, which might see Umno and PAS members picking up on issues of race and religion.

“They will also focus on the unfulfilled PH manifesto,” he said.

BN won the recent by-elections in Cameron Highlands and Semenyih.

The Rantau by-election will be held on April 13, with nomination on March 30 and early voting on April 9. - FMT