Kedah poised to become Pas stronghold in state elections, surpassing Sanusi's influence

SHAH ALAM - Despite Sanusi being the prominent figure, Kedah is poised to become another stronghold for Pas in the upcoming state elections, with widespread support extending beyond Sanusi.

Institut Kajian Etnik (KITA), Political Sociology, Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said Perikatan Nasional won Kedah by a clean sweep in the last general elections, and although Sanusi is the poster boy, the support extends beyond him.

"They just support PN and oppose all other Malay parties, including Umno and others," said Shamsul.

Meanwhile Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun thinks that Pas should woo the bulk of Kedah voters.

"It appears that a rising percentage of them would prefer a more conservative and religious outlook for society as a whole, seeing Pas as the most viable political vehicle capable of accomplishing that goal," he told Sinar Daily

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Political Science Association Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said Kedah is a bit more interesting, or the most interesting among the six states.

"Right now, it appears that the incumbent party, Pas, has a 60-40 probability of forming the government.

"Kedah, like Terengganu, is more practical. They have recently switched governments.

"They are very likely to vote Umno or Pakatan Harapan (PH) again, Syaza said.

"Understanding this, I believe Perikatan Nasional (PN) is relying heavily on Sanusi as a "people's leader" rather than a strongman leader who is prepared to speak out against the unity government (even if not factually) and appears to speak the plain language of the masses.

" Aside from that, Kedah is not mismanaged under PN." Syaza elaborated.