Confident to win Selangor, PN already has a slogan and strategy in place

Is a new Selangor what we need?

According to Perikatan Nasional’s upcoming state election slogan “Selangor Baru”, apparently so. The new slogan - although not officially launched, is the brainchild of Pas and Bersatu.

Pas Selangor secretary Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir said the party discussed the matter with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and was currently looking for a suitable date to officially launch the slogan.

“Currently, PN is looking for a suitable date to officially launch the slogan," he told Sinar

He said the slogan carries an important message to the people, that PN was ready to take over the Selangor leadership if given the mandate in the upcoming state polls.

"We are presenting an alternative to the people of Selangor by giving priority to ensure that the leadership of the state returns to the people of the state, especially important positions such as Menteri Besar (MB) of Selangor.

"The post of (MB) must be decided by locals so that there is an image of Selangor and an understanding of the difficulties and problems of the people.

"If the Menteri Besar is not from Selangor, there is a bit of a gap there. Currently, seven out of 10 of the PH (Pakatan Harapan) exco are not from Selangor," he said.

Regardless of the slogan, the real question is will PN’s brand of alleged racist racial rhetorics win over the Malay majority in Selangor? And is Pakatan Harapan’s reign under threat? If voting trends continue in the coming state elections it might just be a “Selangor Baru”.

PH currently holds 40 of the 56 state assembly seats but PN made significant inroads when they won six Parliamentary seats back in November during the 15th General Election (GE15). Those seats were Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar, Hulu Selangor, Tanjong Karang, Kapar and Kuala Langat.

Data from the Election Commission showed that PN snared between 65 per cent and 90 per cent of new voters added to the electoral roll following the lowering of the voting age to 18.

Sources from PN said that the coalition was confident that they will win over Selangor and that a strategy was already in place.

“Malays in Selangor are highly unlikely to vote for PH especially with DAP in the mix, stronger than ever.

“They are also smart and have had enough of BN’s corruption, so their votes will go to us. We are also hoping for low voter turnout from other races, we are confident that we have the Malay majority vote,” he said.

Meanwhile, Amanah Communications Director Wan Anwar Wan Ibrahim said while the brand of politics promoted by PN may appeal to certain segments of the population, it was important to note that Selangor had a significant unity community.

“The racial sentiment that is always used by PN won't help them to get votes.

“The PH coalition has a strong presence in the state and has been working diligently to address the concerns and aspirations of all communities. It is confident in its ability to engage and secure the support of the Malay majority constituencies,” he elaborated.

Wan Anwar said although the voting trends observed in the GE15 may present some challenges for PH's hold on Selangor, it was essential to remember that elections has always been dynamic, and voter sentiments can evolve over time.

He said PH remains committed in engaging with the constituents, addressing their needs, and delivering on its promises through effective governance and continued efforts to connect with the people.

He added PH aims to maintain and strengthen its position in Selangor.

“The fact that PN made inroads in Selangor during the last GE, capturing six parliamentary seats, is indicative of the changing political landscape.

“However, it is worth noting that the state assembly seats and parliamentary seats may have different dynamics and considerations.

“PH will carefully analyse the factors that contributed to these outcomes and work towards regaining the people's trust and support,” he said.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies Deputy Director Professor Dr Kartini Aboo Talib said anything might happen at this point.

“In politics, everything is possible. PN is seen as championing the Malays and Bumiputera. While PH now seems to lack such an agenda.

“With consumer prices for goods skyrocketing, no more utility subsidies, and no more possible EPF withdrawals PN will be at the advantage,” she said.

Kartini said the current mood might be a reassessment of PH and every decision they have made under the brand-name of the “unity government”.

“Currently we can’t really tell for sure whether or not voters are happy with PH, we only have diverse observation opinions.

“If the current Selangor government maintains the agenda for the people, looking after their well-being, this track record will motivate voters to vote for PH regardless of whatever campaigns.

“People demand trust and want leaders that 'walk the talk' in guaranteeing their safety and security.” she told Sinar Daily.