KUALA LUMPUR MAY, 2 Analysts have asserted that the recent statement made by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the former prime minister, in which he predicted the loss of Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the forthcoming Kuala Kubu Baru polls, is merely a strategic maneuver aimed at garnering Malay support and countering a perceived threat.
Chinese voters overwhelmingly support PH, almost reaching 100 percent. Dr. Mahathir aims to manipulate these sentiments, particularly regarding race, to encourage Malay voters to unite and support the PN, where Bersatu, with its Malay candidate, is present.
Race plays a very important role here, and most voters, not only Malay voters but also Chinese voters, will vote according to race, which they are comfortable with,” Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan said.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan emphasized that the situation unfolding in Kuala Kubu Baru reflects a broader national trend. He pointed out that race significantly influences voting behavior, with both Malay and Chinese voters often choosing candidates based on racial considerations.
According to the state election,.
During the state elections held last year, the contenders for Kuala Kubu Baru included the deceased Lee Kee Hiong from DAP, Teoh Kien Hong from Gerakan, Siva Prakash Ramasamy from the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), and Chng Boon Lai from Parti Rakyat Malaysia. The position became available after Lee passed away from cancer in March.
In the most recent five state elections, only one Malay candidate contested in the Kuala Kubu Baru constituency, namely PAS’ Naharudin Abdul Rashid in 2018, who received the fewest votes on election day.
PH has recently revealed Pang Sock Tao, who serves as the press secretary for Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, as their candidate. In contrast, PN unveiled a Malay candidate the next day: Khairul Azhari Saut, the acting division chief of Hulu Selangor Bersatu.
Dr. Mahathir recently forecasted that DAP would emerge victorious in the upcoming election on May 11 due to the division within the Malay community. He mentioned that the rise of Malay-centric splinter groups has led to a fragmentation of the Malay vote in the nation.
Despite the larger number of Malay voters in the constituency compared to the Chinese, the Malays are fragmented, whereas the Chinese are cohesive. Therefore, it is likely that DAP will emerge victorious,” he informed the press at Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia’s (Putra) Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house.
Chinese Unity
The unity among the Chinese community in Kuala Kubu Baru stems from their perception of themselves as a minority, despite their economic dominance. Their historical economic advantages, dating back to the colonial era, now provide them with significant influence in choosing political alliances.
Kartini nonetheless advised PH to be wary of excessive self-assurance, pointing out the unease felt by the Malays due to various concerns. These concerns include the classification of bak kut teh as a national cuisine, the suggestion to pursue Unesco World Heritage recognition for seven Chinese New Villages in Selangor, and the perceived meddling in Islamic and cultural affairs.
“She mentioned that these feelings create a chance for PN to present an alternative story of togetherness.”
Read More
