BERSATU deputy president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu insisted that the term "green wave," associated with the rise of Perikatan Nasional (PN) following the 15th General Election (GE15), is inaccurate and raises unfounded fears among non-Malay voters.
According to the former menteri besar of Perak, the more appropriate term to describe the awakening of the people's rejection of leaders who prioritise personal interests is the "wave of the people."
"There has been a significant shift in Malay voter support toward PN in GE15, particularly in states with a majority of Malay voters, such as Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, which has now extended throughout the country," he told Sinar Premium on Sunday.
Faizal Azumu shared his views when asked about the implications of the "green wave" phenomenon on PN's prospects in the upcoming state elections in six states.
Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently disagreed with the term "green wave" used by some DAP leaders, including Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, to describe PN's revival in GE15.
Khairy believed the term carried negative connotations, linking PN's rise to religious extremism rather than representing the color green associated with Pas.
Similarly, Bersatu supreme leadership council member Muhammad Faiz Na'aman described the term 'green wave' as just propaganda to spread negative connotations against the PN.
"For a state with a Malay majority, the term 'green wave' may not cause problems, but for a state like Selangor, it is less appropriate to use.
"Thus, in facing the state election in Selangor, the PN needs to lead a struggle that focuses on various agendas related to the interests of the Rakyat," he said.
THE MAIN PILLAR OF THE ECONOMY
Muhammad Faiz stressed that PN should focus on economic and local issues such as the environment and integrity when campaigning in Selangor.
He stressed the importance of avoiding sensitive topics related to race, religion, and rulers and refuted claims that PN exploits racial issues for political gain.
"We do not touch on sensitive issues that are considered 3R (race, religion, rulers) by the other party and we also want to reject the claim that PN uses race issues to promote the party," said Muhammad Faiz.
Meanwhile, a political analyst insisted that PN cannot be comfortable with the rise of a wave of the rakyat in their favour following GE15.
O2 Research Malaysia chief researcher, Anis Anwar Suhaimi insisted that the PN needs to offer strong leadership and a better strategic plan in facing the six-state state election, especially in Selangor.
TOO EARLY
Anis noted that it is premature to predict the number of seats PN can win, but the performance of Pas compared to previous elections will reveal the coalition's current standing.
Anis projected that if a two-cornered contest arises in the state election, PN may have an advantage in Malay-majority seats, while competitive races are expected in seats with lower Malay representation.
"If it is proven that there is a two-cornered clash in the Selangor PRN, PN will have an advantage in the State Legislative Assembly seat with a Malay voter composition of 70 per cent or more; but this number of seats alone is not enough to establish a state government.
"Meanwhile for Malay state seats below 70 per cent and mixed, it will be competitive for PN if the Malay vote is split and this gives an advantage to the candidate of the unity government," added Anis.
Anis further explained that PN voters are likely to be the largest segment voting for a second time after GE15, citing the moral boost provided by their leaders.
However, she anticipated that Chinese voters, based on previous elections and by-elections, might exhibit a different voting pattern, potentially signaling dissatisfaction with the PH government and voicing concerns over economic challenges.
"Based on the previous state elections in Melaka, Johor and by-elections such as Tanjung Piai, the voters’ turnout rate is quite low.
"It is a sign of protest against the PH government that managed the Malay Dignity Congress during the Tanjung Piai by-election and PH's political weakness after being in the opposition during the Melaka and Johor elections.
"Thus, with economic challenges such as the issue of the cost of living and value of ringgit that has not shown any signs of recovery, Chinese voters in Selangor are expected to repeat the same attitude as Chinese voters during the Melaka and Johor state elections.
"This is their message to the unity government at the federal level," she stressed.
Anis also highlighted the divided sentiment among BN voters regarding their participation in the state election, partly due to concerns related to the ongoing corruption case involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak and statements made by PH leaders that have affected grassroots support within Umno.