Azmin’s best chances in Batu Tiga or Morib, says analyst

 

Azmin Ali, head of Selangor PN, will lack non-Malay support because of PN’s racial and religious rhetoric, an analyst says. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former Selangor menteri besar Azmin Ali’s best chances of winning election to the state assembly will lie in Batu Tiga or Morib, according to a political analyst.

Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani said Azmin must contest in a semi-urban state constituency where Malay voters make up the majority if he wants to win a seat in the Aug 12 state assembly elections.

Azmin won a second term in Bukit Antarabangsa with an overwhelming victory in 2018 when he was with PKR. He is unlikely to repeat his performance now that he is with Bersatu, said Asrul.

He said Azmin had no chance of defending Bukit Antarabangsa as its electorate evenly comprises Malay and non-Malay voters.

Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani.

Contesting as a Perikatan Nasional candidate, Azmin would not have the support of non-Malay voters as the racial and religious rhetoric of PN leaders would drive non-Malay voters the other way, said Asrul.

He said the Batu Tiga and Morib seats would be better suited for Azmin.

“Perikatan Nasional is expected to ride on the wave of support it received in the 2022 general election to win seats in Selangor. Azmin’s choice of seats will reflect this; Malay-majority and semi-urban,” he told FMT.

“With the Malay votes set to be split between Bersatu and (Pakatan Harapan), it will be difficult for Azmin to repeat his Bukit Antarabangsa victory or even retain the seat.”

On Friday, Azmin dismissed rumours that he will contest in Hulu Kelang, which he had represented for one term from 1999 to 2004.

Azmin, who is Selangor PN chief, said he has received offers to contest in several other seats, including Morib and Batu Tiga. However, the final decision on which seat he is to contest will lie with PN leaders, he said.

Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Hulu Kelang would be an unwise choice as it is close to Bukit Antarabangsa with voters who have “similar tastes, politically”.

Hulu Kelang has been an Amanah stronghold for the past three terms, while Bukit Antarabangsa is part of Azmin’s former parliamentary constituency of Gombak.

“Bukit Antarabangsa or Hulu Kelang will not make any difference in terms of Azmin’s chances of winning,” he said.

At the 2022 parliamentary elections, Azmin failed to defend his Gombak seat which was won by his former party colleague, Amirudin Shari, with a majority of 12,729 votes.

Azmin had represented Gombak for three terms on a PKR ticket. - FMT