Pejuang could ride on PN to win seats after crushing defeat in GE15

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) could win seats in the upcoming state polls riding on Perikatan Nasional (PN), but not on its own, says an analyst.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Political Science Association Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said if Pejuang is able to work with PN, then they could win seats.

"However, Pejuang on its own won’t make much of a dent, and I think the party knows that.

"Even with the Malay proclamation, it only works if the parties coordinate.

"Voters won’t easily vote for Pejuang, especially if there is no viable candidate," she said.

Commenting further, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) senior lecturer of Political Science Mujibu Abd Muis said if Pejuang can contest under the PN banner paired with a suitable candidate, then maybe Pejuang stands a chance since the big issue is a lack of grassroots support and workable machinery.

"Since their course of Malay politics is not as convincing enough as what happened in the 15th general election (GE15).

"I still see that Malay-Islam will be the biggest asset for the opposition, but the key is how well this may swing the Malay vote with the backdrop of Selangor with plenty of mixed constituencies and the needs of PN to lure non-Malay votes," Mujibu told Sinar Daily.

Meanwhile, Pacific Research Center principal adviser Oh Ei Sun said Pejuang would lose against both the unity government and the PN.

"They are likely to lose deposits again," he said.

On July 3, Pejuang was seriously considering finalising its candidates for the state election that will be held on Aug 12.

Selangor Pejuang chief Harumaini Omar said the matter was being refined after the party reached an agreement on Sunday.

Harumaini said the decision was made after identifying what Pejuang's grassroots and voters wanted, which was for the party to contest several strategic State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats in Selangor in the state election.