PETALING JAYA: The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition believes it can wrest back control of Kedah in the upcoming state polls as it is wielding power in the federal government, state PKR election chief Phahrolrazi Zawawi said.
The party man said taking 19 seats – enough to claim a simple majority in the 36-seat assembly – is well within the coalition’s reach.
However, he said winning the rural seats will present a formidable challenge.
“The rural seats appear to be firmly in PAS’ hands, but PH and BN will target winning at least half of the 36 seats.
“I am on the ground daily, listening to people and sensing their mood.
“The political scenario has changed and PAS cannot afford to say it will have a ‘clean sweep’ of the 36 seats anymore,” he told FMT.
The term “clean sweep” was used by Kedah Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders after the coalition won 14 out of 15 parliamentary seats in the state in last November’s general election.
PAS secured nine seats and Bersatu took the other five. PH’s only victory was the Sungai Petani seat.
Phahrolrazi said there had been a noticeable shift in voting patterns, particularly among 18-21 year olds.
“I expect the voting trend to switch from one that is static to flexible in the coming election,” he said.
Phahrolrazi said Kedahans are generally upset over the strained relations the state has with Putrajaya, following acerbic remarks by menteri besar Sanusi Nor.
“There is a chance for PH and BN to win, but to say that this takes hard work is putting it lightly. We need to go all out.
“Racial sentiments are being used for politicking and, in the end, it is only disadvantageous to us all,” he said.
In the recently dissolved state assembly, PN held 20 seats through PAS (14) and Bersatu (6). It was supported by Pejuang with its two seats.
The opposition comprised PH (12 seats) and BN (two seats). - FMT
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