SHAH ALAM – Non-Muslim voters are anticipated to support Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election, according to political analysts.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Centre for Communication and Media Studies, College of Computing, Informatics and Media, Professor and political analyst Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman said that the Indian community seems unenthusiastic about voting for Perikatan Nasional (PN) due to the current political turmoil.
"The Indian voters are likely to favour DAP over PN or MIC, given the need for development amidst political upheaval in Selangor and nearby regions,” Ismail told Sinar Daily.
He stressed that factors such as political advertisements, propaganda, and various issues could influence voter behaviour.
"Many issues transcend religion, like the Allah controversy.
"For Indian voters, it’s more about tangible benefits such as financial assistance or grants from political entities like MIC or MCA,” Ismail added during a recent interview.
In certain areas, the political strategy of Bersatu might attract Indian voters to support the party, Ismail suggested, stressing that voter support ultimately depends on their belief in a candidate's ability to address their specific needs and concerns.
Similarly, political analyst Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir expressed confidence that most Indian voters would back the PH candidate.
"While this is a Malay minority state, there is no assurance that Malay voters will unanimously support PN.
"The challenge for PN is to win over and convince the Chinese and Indian communities, who make up 40 per cent of the electorate,” Jeniri said.
In a related matter, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Political Science Association Professor Dr Syaza Shukri also believes PH is likely to win the state seat.
"The chances of an easy victory for PN are slim, as the coalition grapples with deeper issues,” Syaza said.
The upcoming by-election on May 11 will see 40,226 eligible voters, with Malays constituting 46 per cent, followed by Chinese at 30 per cent, Indians at 18 per cent, and others at five per cent.
The by-election was called after the death of its three-term assemblyman, Lee Kee Hiong, from cancer.
On Wednesday, DAP unveiled Pang Sock Tao as PH's candidate for the seat. Pang serves as the press secretary to DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional nominated Khairul Azhari Saut, Bersatu's acting chief in Hulu Selangor, as its candidate on Thursday.