Harapan has slight advantage in KKB race: Ilham Centre

 

KKB BY-ELECTION | Ilham Centre projects that Pakatan Harapan has an edge in retaining the Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat in tomorrow’s by-election.

In a statement, the think tank acknowledged that Perikatan Nasional posed tough competition to Harapan’s incumbency in the state constituency, but the latter still had an added advantage.

“By taking into account all factors, we conclude that Harapan - represented by DAP - has a slight advantage to retain the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat from falling into the opposition’s hand,” Ilham Centre said today.

According to the think tank, most voters surveyed found the by-election intense despite the lacklustre albeit orderly campaign.

Ilham Centre further said that turnout would be the main factor in deciding victory between Harapan and PN.

PAS holding back?

It further said PAS seemed to be holding back in its campaign efforts for PN.

“PAS also did not earnestly mobilise its machinery in this by-election, it (PAS) is the backbone of PN.

“This time, there is no glimpse of PAS machinery from other states other than Selangor in every polling district. Selangor PAS’ participation is also moderate, contributing to the atmosphere,” it added.

Perikatan Nasional supporters stumping for the coalition’s candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election

The think tank also noted the perceived underperformance of Hulu Selangor MP Mohd Hasnizan Harun, Hulu Bernam assemblyperson Muizzuddeen Mahyuddin, and Batang Kali assemblyperson Muhammad Muhaimin Harith Abdul Sani, all of whom are from PN.

Although the topic was among the issues discussed by voters, the report highlighted that other candidates did not capitalise on the matter to reach a wider audience. 

The by-election was held following the death of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21 due to cancer.

The poll will be a four-way contest between Harapan, PN, Parti Rakyat Malaysia, and an independent candidate.

Harapan fielded Pang Sock Tao, a former aide to the housing and local government minister, while PN nominated Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting chief Khairul Azhari Saut as the main challenger. Hafizah Zainuddin represents PRM while independent Nyau Ke Xin is also in the ring.

Indian voters are ‘kingmakers’

With the Malays generally supporting PN and the Chinese generally backing Harapan, Ilham Centre said the Indian community in Kuala Kubu Baharu now have an outsized influence despite comprising only 18 percent of the electorate.

“The voting pattern of the Indians can decide victory between the competing parties,” it said.

The think tank also noted that certain Indian community leaders, whether linked to political parties, NGOs, or private individuals, have called for boycotts against the Harapan candidate as a form of protest to voice their disappointment in the government.

Additionally, concerns have been raised over the absence of Indian leadership in the cabinet. - Mkini