SHAH ALAM – Pas supporters will still support the party despite the sexist comments made by one of its leaders recently.
Political Analyst Dr Azmi Hassan said that he does not suppose Pas supporters will be strongly affected by the comments made by the Kedah Menteri Besar (MB) because they would likely support Pas candidates no matter what.
However, to outsiders, it will give a bad reflection on Pas leadership.
Recently, a viral TikTok video showed Kedah MB Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor making sexist comments about women while campaigning for the Pas candidate in the Sik constituency.
When asked about the significance of the Kedah state in this matter, he said, "Any negative remarks coming out from any top Pas leaders will have a ripple effect on other areas. In this case, not only Pas, but the political enemy will be able to relate it to Perikatan Nasional (PN) as a whole.”
On the other hand, expert Dr Jeniri AmirI thinks it will affect Pas differently.
He said the main issue in this coming election is which political party coalition the voters want to form the government.
"It’s between PH and BN. So, they won’t waste their votes on any political party that they think won’t, who has no bearing in the formation of the new government,” said the academician.
When asked if the comment made in Kedah made any difference, he said there are other factors to consider but that it was unwise of the Kedah MB to make such comments as women voters will give a reaction towards them.
He remarks, "I believe strongly that given the chance, women can also perform better than men. I think it’s a matter of the brain, not gender.”
He also adds that Muhammad Sanusi should have recounted the fact that women also need to be empowered with political power.