Voters in Selangor are eagerly waiting for the announcement of the 'poster boy' candidate for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the upcoming state polls.
Choosing a 'poster boy' can, to some extent, influence voters in Selangor, especially when the leader is popular, not only due to the Parliament seats they have won or the state assembly seats, but because the 'poster boy' must generally be popular and well liked by the people.
The Selangor state assembly, which will officially dissolve tomorrow (Friday), is expected to receive fierce competition not only in the selection of candidates but also on who ought to be the 'poster boy' candidate for the political party.
Two big names in PH were mentioned as the 'poster boy' candidates: one is Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Meanwhile, the other is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also suggested to be an important icon in the state.
As for PN, several names were mentioned, including the leader of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), namely former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, while Pas proposed its Commissioner, Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi.
Usually, 'poster boy' candidates are individuals who will be appointed as Menteri Besar if they win in the state polls.
In the state election campaign this time, PN wants to field local candidates who have the ability to lead and understand the background and culture in the respective state compared to candidates from other states.
Meanwhile, PH rejected local candidates sentiments and instead chose to offer performance and services to the people.
He said the two leaders have proven their ability to lead the Unity Government at the state and federal levels with excellent track records.
"Amirudin's performance so far is quite brilliant, especially as a young leader at the state level, who we feel has had outstanding character and leadership throughout these five years.
"Another 'poster boy' candidate is of course our Prime Minister himself, because based on the survey, he is well received by the people as leader of the Unity Government," he explained.
Commenting on the candidate for Selangor Menteri Besar if the PH-Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition wins the people's mandate in the state election, Yahya said the decision lies with the Unity Government's leadership to determine the most suitable and worthy candidate.
"For PH, we put our trust in Amirudin, but the decision will be finalised by the Unity Government coalition in the end," he added.
PN, on the other hand, did not discuss or announce its 'poster boy' candidate.
Selangor Pas secretary Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir said the candidate for 'poster boy' was never discussed in the PN meeting.
He said Pas believed a 'poster boy' candidate in this state is considered inappropriate according to the Constitution of Selangor (1959).
"In Selangor, it is not appropriate to place a 'poster boy' candidate because the power to appoint Selangor Menteri Besar lies within the jurisdiction of the Sultan of Selangor.
"We learned from Langkah Kajang (Kajang Move), who once wanted to appoint Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (MB candidate) but was rejected by Selangor Sultan," he said.
He stressed that Pas will not field a 'poster boy' candidate in the Selangor state election to respect the Sultan of Selangor's authority.
"We want to avoid anything that would negatively affect PN's reputation and good name, but if we are fated to win, then we will discuss who will be the best candidate and suggest two or three names to His Majesty (the Sultan of Selangor)," he said.