SHAH ALAM - Comparative politics has successfully triumphed over the politics of perception, marking a shift in support among the Orang Asli community, particularly towards Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Nenggiri by-election.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Fellow in Psychological Operations at the Media Warfare Studies and Information Centre Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said that the Orang Asli community believed Umno can bring better progress to the state, which has been a key factor in their support.
"Umno's leadership has succeeded in convincing Orang Asli that their community's development and security will not be neglected if Nenggiri returns to Umno or BN.
"One of the factors that increased the support of the Orang Asli community is the presence of ATM machines or cash withdrawal facilities provided by the Federal government.
"In addition, the Orang Asli community wants their voices to be heard more.
"They want development that prioritises the sustainability of their community," he said.
In the Nenggiri by-election, BN candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri secured victory in all Orang Asli voting stations, including Tohoi, Sungai Puian, Sungai Jenera, Simpor, and Sungai Wias on Saturday.
Commenting on the matter, Noor Nirwandy stressed that Umno’s more realistic psychological warfare strategy, which focused on engaging voters, particularly the youth of Nenggiri, and the strong leadership image of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in international and community welfare issues, also played a significant role in BN's victory.
In a related matter, political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub opined that BN's success with over 1,800 votes from Orang Asli across all voting stations indicated a significant return of support from the community to BN.
"Orang Asli voters are loyal and possess high political loyalty.
"They were also somewhat 'offended' when some PN (Perikatan Nasional) leaders campaigned while displaying wealth.
"In contrast, the BN candidate and campaign machinery were more astute in winning over the Orang Asli by organising light activities such as singing events and casual conversations.
"Most notably, Umno's decision to bring in Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker and Orang Asli, Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, from the beginning of the campaign proved highly effective in garnering votes.