YOURSAY | Voting along party, race, and religion here to stay

YOURSAY | 'This amounts to abusing votes by going against national development, unity'

Don't touch 3R, Fahmi reminds all parties

DAY 1 | ‘I’m not worried’ - Sanusi on allegations against him

Kedah PAS: 'Technical error' led to 4 sharing same credentials

ViolentCondor6908: For the six state elections on Aug 12, the nominations for all the seats moved in an orderly manner.

It is good to know it's all peaceful, harmonious and the candidates are in excellent fighting spirit for the votes.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Perikatan Nasional will win five states, and that only Penang will remain with Pakatan Harapan-BN.

Former home minister Hamzah Zainudin felt the police vibes in Selangor indicate that PN has the edge and that a similar vibe is detected in Negeri Sembilan too.

Meanwhile, former prime minister and PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin has opined Selangor will go to PN.

However, neutral and keen observers of the political scene, especially those who are not associated with any political party, predict as follows:

1. Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan will go to Harapan + Umno but there may be some gains and losses here and there.

2. Kedah's status is on a 50:50 basis and it's all due to the antics of one man - menteri besar candidate Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. I agree that he is a champion to a sizeable portion of the Malay Muslim voters, especially PAS supporters.

3. Terengganu's status is more like 60:40, that is PN has a slight edge. This is because its caretaker menteri besar Ahmad Sansuri Mohktar disappointed the people during the recent floods.

4. Kelantan is solid with PAS. Nobody can even chip off its support, even though there may be one or two upset wins by Harapan + Umno combo. Lack of development or progress or even its poor water quality will not dent its hard-core supporters.

The above is a well-studied opinion.

Mazilamani: The manner in which Sanusi waved at the crowd yesterday, imitating another, will not gift him the votes he desires.

Unfortunately, Malaysians are more prone to voting along party, race, and religion. This amounts to abusing our votes by going against national development and unity.

Many are faithful adherents of their religion, but what good can it be if we don't cultivate good or virtuous human qualities but instead create divisions within society which may not be the creator's divine will?

When we hear so-called statespersons propagating such divisions, it becomes even more shocking and unacceptable. Who gave anyone the right to disturb the peace, stability, and unity of the nation?

Apanama is back: @Mazilamani, voting along party, race and religion is here to stay for a long, long time.

The issue here is mistrust, which many harbour still against one another even after 66 years of Merdeka (Independence) - no thanks to politicians who divide and rule us for the last six decades.

The six state elections are between one religion and race against others, and whether we can help save the 'remaining' secularism in our country.

This is my main concern for Malaysia, for moderate and liberal Muslims as well as all non-Muslims out there. Choosing a state government to administer is secondary. The above two are hidden ones.

We will know in two weeks’ time where our country's direction is.

Not Bitten Twice: I can't help but smile at Sanusi's attempt to imitate Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's signature hand wave.

One is original (Anwar's) and the other (Sanusi's) is a cheap imitation. The original evokes feelings of patriotism and inspiration to fight against tyranny. The other, what can I say? It is a weak attempt at the limelight.

Anwar should seriously patent his iconic hand wave. That firm-up thrusting of hand in defiance of his former boss Mahathir, now 98, should be his trademark. This is just me, being satirical.

My2cents: Most of the candidates are not highly qualified and end up getting a certificate from questionable institutions just to complete the form.

In any case, the people are so dumbed down, they don't know the difference.

I saw a video where this reporter went around interviewing people around Alor Setar, they really don't care about what Sanusi said, and they will continue to support him.

These people get the incompetent government they deserve - but pity those non-Malays who are being left out, where small businesses are not being supported and doing so poorly.

It looks like they have to migrate down to Perak, if not Penang.

Frans Rozario: Indeed. Disqualify the lot. The candidates are not serious, allowing others to fill in their data without checking.

Moreover, if a candidate is incapable of filling out his or her own form, they should not be a state legislator at all.

Don't insult and fool the rakyat, at 74, if I can do that (fill out forms), then there is absolutely no reason why they can't or rather should do that.

The only reason is, either one is incapable or ignorant of the way it is done - digitally filling in the form.

These candidates have shirked their responsibility even before starting, the Election Commission should act with care and responsibility to the rakyat. - Mkini