BN’s challenge is to notch convincing win in Pelangai, says analyst

 

BN candidate Amizar Abu Adam during a visit to the Orang Asli community in Kampung Ulu Semei, Pelangai, Pahang. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Analysts expect Barisan Nasional to retain the Pelangai state seat on Oct 7 but say the challenge for the coalition will be recording a convincing win in the by-election.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said BN would have no problem defending the seat on paper as it was the coalition’s traditional seat, while its alliance with Pakatan Harapan would help secure the votes of the 20% non-Malay voters there.

However, he told FMT a convincing victory would be a much-needed shot in the arm for BN and the unity government.

“If they win with a greater majority than in the 15th general election (GE15), it will boost the morale of the unity government,” he said.

Despite Pahang Umno’s confidence, Mazlan said, BN-PH must also expect some Malay voters, especially those living in Felda areas, to shift their support to Perikatan Nasional.

He said Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration had placed a lot of focus on Felda settlers, and they might feel like they owe it to the former prime minister to vote for PN.

Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi expects a low voter turnout for the by-election.

He said PN could make some inroads in the Pahang state seat but BN would ultimately retain the seat. “Many voters aren’t interested in going out to cast their ballots when it’s just a by-election.”

The Pelangai by-election is being held following the death of Umno assemblyman and Pahang exco member Johari Harun in the plane crash near Bandar Elmina in Shah Alam on Aug 17. Johari was also the Bentong Umno chief.

In GE15, Johari won the seat with a 4,048-vote majority, defeating PN’s Kasim Samat, PH’s Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri and Pejuang’s Isa Ahmad.

In GE14, former Pahang menteri besar Adnan Yaakob won the seat with a majority of 2,312 votes. He had represented the constituency since 1986.

BN is fielding Bentong Umno committee member Amizar Abu Adam to defend the seat, while Kasim is contesting again for PN. Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli makes it a three-cornered contest. - FMT