SHAH ALAM - Political parties cannot underestimate the influence of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in garnering support especially from the Malay community for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming state elections.
Political analyst Datuk M Periasamy believed that despite Dr Mahathir's age, nearing 100 years, his aura as a veteran political figure in the country was still considered influential and capable of generating a significant impact.
"During the 14th General Election (PRU14), Dr Mahathir's influence on the Malay voters, which amounted to nearly 10 per cent, led to the victory of Pakatan Harapan (PH) in many Malay-majority areas.
"Now he is striving to restore Malay political power in the country.
"His struggle as the Chairman of Proclamation of Malays aligns with PN's general goal, specifically with Pas.
"Thus, it will undoubtedly add value to PN's strength in the upcoming state polls in six states," he told Sinar.
Earlier, it was reported that Dr Mahathir's presence and speech at a Pas event, Munajat Rakyat Kelantan: Pakat Pertahan dan Amanat Pemimpin, in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, last Friday received positive reactions from the people of the state and Pas leaders.
Periasamy opined that this action indirectly opened a new chapter in the political relationship between Dr Mahathir and the Islamist party.
"In fact, visiting the family residence of the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz (former Kelantan Menteri Besar) and being given the opportunity to speak on the Pas political stage successfully captivated the hearts and minds of the Kelantanese people.
"Its impact will certainly be translated into the upcoming state polls," he said.
Meanwhile, political analyst Professor Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid from Universiti Sains Malaysia had a different view, describing Dr Mahathir's presence in Kelantan as not adding value to PN, as the era of his political greatness has ended.
Fauzi said this was evident when the people rejected his ideas through Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) in the last GE15, and his support for the Proclamation of Malays also did not stand out.
"As for Pas forgiving him, it is possible as forgiveness is encouraged in Islam.
"However, in the current situation, Dr Mahathir needs PN more to remain relevant in the country's politics than PN needs Dr Mahathir.
"PN has proven in GE15 that it can be an alternative power based on "Malay-Muslim politics, offering a different coalition than PH and is even supported by the majority of the Bumiputera ethnic group," he said.