KUALA TERENGGANU - Terengganuans believe that the so-called ‘green wave’ led by Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the oil-rich east coast state known for its picturesque islands is undoutedly here to stay and likely lead the coalition to victory in the coming August 12 state poll.
Locals who spoke to Sinar Daily, attributed the formidable political clout of PN -- especially Pas -- in the state to two factors: the psyche of the Malays in the state and its current Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
Freelancer in events and management, Iffah Inani Normi was among those who were of the opinion that Samsuri’s Islam-centric style of governance resonated well among residents in the state given its 96.9 per cent Muslim population.
"The people of Terengganu will continue to support him because they genuinely believe that Pas is better suited in safeguarding matters concerning Islam in the state. They feel more protected under Pas,” she reasoned.
Another local, a university student Muhammad Syazwan Sahimi also spoke glowingly about Samsuri, describing him as an MB well-liked by the people.
"He knows what really ails the people in Terengganu and has come up with a lot of initiatives to solve those issues, unlike our previous MBs,” claimed the entreprenuership student studying in Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.
Adding on Syazwan’s remark on the differences of Samsuri compared to his predecessors, computer technician Adiba Nordin Nizam remarked that previous MBs were seen as being rather focused on money and entertainment rather than people’s wellbeing.
"In the past, there were times when we could tell that a lot of vested and personal interests were involved in state projects but with Samsuri, it’s different and because of that, I think Pas will likely win the state in the coming poll,” said Adiba.
While Adiba was confident with Pas’ odds in the state poll, nurse Juliana Othman argued the jury was still out on such an outcome.
"Has the Pas-led state government really done well for everyone in Terengganu? The older generations might agree but I don’t think the younger ones share a similar sentiment.
"Perhaps, it is still a tad too early to simply declare victory for any party, even here in Terengganu,” said Juliana of the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.
Apart from Terengganu, five other states will simultaneously go to the poll on August 12. These states are Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
The six states did not dissolve their respective legislative assemblies and conduct state polls in tandem with last year’s 15th General Election due to monsoonal flood concerns.