SHAH ALAM - International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri has dismissed the notion that PKR vice chairman Rafizi Ramli played a decisive role in the Sungai Bakap by-election outcome.
"I don’t believe Rafizi was pivotal in determining the outcome.
"Regardless of the campaign's specifics, Pakatan Harapan (PH) faced considerable challenges," she told Sinar Daily when contacted.
Echoing Syaza's views, Singapore Institute of International Affairs Senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun added a nuanced perspective on the electoral dynamics.
"Rafizi's assessment partly rings true. The enduring strength of the Greenwave was evident once again," he said.
Oh highlighted a pervasive sense of disengagement among non-Malay voters.
"Many non-Malay voters are disillusioned, feeling that the country's trajectory towards racial and religious supremacy is inevitable regardless of leadership," he noted.
He also pointed out the steadfast support of the Greenwave ultras for their party of choice.
"The Greenwave ultras prioritise party allegiance over individual candidates, viewing Pas as the vehicle to advance their vision of a religiously and racially exclusive society," Oh added.
He also suggested that PH's strategic decisions may have inadvertently estranged their core supporters.
"By focusing efforts on courting the Greenwave ultras, PH may have unintentionally distanced their traditional base," he said.
Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail was officially declared the winner of the Sungai Bakap state by-election, garnering a larger majority of 4,267 votes than his predecessor’s 1,563 votes.
Abidin, who is also the Nibong Tebal Pas vice-chief, managed to secure 14,489 votes against his challenger Joohari Ariffin’s 10,222 votes.
The announcement was made by returning officer Khairulnizam Hashim at the Jawi Multipurpose Hall in Nibong Tebal
Also present are Election Commission chairperson Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun and his deputy Azmi Sharom.