KLUANG - With just two days remaining before the Mahkota by-election, the competition between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) has intensified as top leaders from both coalitions ramp up their efforts to support their candidates.
The contrasting campaign strategies have been on full display, with BN focusing on larger gatherings and cultural events, while PN has adopted a more localised approach, engaging voters through smaller, community-based interactions.
On the ground, the dynamics offer insights into what might shape the outcome on polling day.
BN’s High-Visibility Campaign
BN’s campaign has been marked by large-scale events and high-profile endorsements from the coalition's top leadership.
Deputy Prime Minister and Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MIC President Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran, and MCA President Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong have all thrown their weight behind BN candidate Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah.
A notable event during the campaign was the MIC-hosted 'Utrimai Vizha,' which attracted thousands of Indian voters.
The event aimed to consolidate the Indian vote—a potentially crucial demographic for BN.
The Chinese community has also shown strong support, with large gatherings of Chinese voters at campaign events.
Syed Hussein’s ability to speak fluent Mandarin has been a significant advantage in his engagement with Chinese-majority areas.
His linguistic skills have earned him admiration and could sway the approximately 45 per cent Chinese voters in Mahkota.
Door-to-door campaigning, often with Umno’s top leaders, has reinforced BN’s message of unity and stability.
Federal ministers, including Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, have also joined BN’s campaign, highlighting the coalition’s national strength.
Despite internal disputes between Umno youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh and DAP vice president Teresa Kok, BN’s campaign has showcased unity, particularly with the collaboration between Umno and DAP, further boosting Syed Hussein’s appeal.
PN’s Localised Approach
Meanwhile, PN has taken a more localised approach, with smaller-scale ceramah and personal interactions.
Led by PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Mahkota Election Director Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, the coalition has focused on reaching Malay-majority areas.
PN’s candidate, Haizan, 61, is well-known in the local community, particularly as a football coach.
His rapport with senior citizens and frequent appearances in Malay villages have earned him the support of many elderly voters and young Malays.
However, Haizan’s lower profile during public events compared to his party’s top leadership may affect voter perception.
While PN leaders like Muhyiddin and Azmin take the spotlight, Haizan’s relative silence contrasts with Syed Hussein’s direct engagement.
PN’s campaign has also included aggressive criticism of BN, with leaders filing police reports and holding media conferences to highlight their grievances.
Despite this, PN’s grassroots-focused approach continues to resonate with many voters, particularly among the Malay-Muslim voters.
Final Days and Polling Day
As the campaign heads into the final stretch, both BN and PN are well-positioned, each with distinct strengths.
The outcome of the Mahkota by-election, scheduled for Sept 28, will likely hinge on voter turnout and the effectiveness of each side’s final push.
While BN’s broader appeal and high-profile events have captured attention, PN’s grassroots strategy remains strong, particularly among local Malay voters.
The balance between Chinese and Malay votes will be a decisive factor in determining the victor.
All eyes will be on Mahkota as the race comes to a close, with both sides vying for the seat following the passing of incumbent assemblyman Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain.