Azmin's return to Hulu Kelang: Can he repeat his 1999 success?

SHAH ALAM - With Datuk Seri Azmin Ali set to contest in his hometown at Hulu Kelang, experts ponder whether his 1999 success in the area will help him in a winning position as a state assemblyman again.

Since his defeat in defending the Gombak parliamentary seat during the last general election (GE15), former Selangor Menteri Besar announced earlier this year that he will take the back seat in politics for a while. However, despite the announcement, Azmin has decided to make an early comeback by contesting in Hulu Kelang in the upcoming Selangor state polls set to take place on Aug 18.

Institute of Ethnic Studies Founder, Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said Azmin has a good chance of winning in Hulu Kelang as he has served as an assemblyman there from 1999 to 2004.

"His defeat during GE15 was due to the fact that Gombak was a larger parliamentary constituency.

"Hulu Kelang being a smaller and more compact constituency will probably play in his favor."

In the 1999 General Election, Azmin won the Hulu Kelang seat under the mantel of the newly established PKR.

Shamsul added that this time around, it does not matter whether Azmin is contesting under a different political party.

The fact that Azmin has a record in serving the constituency before is the bigger, more important factor, he said.

When asked if Azmin's party-hopping history will affect voter outcomes, he expressed that Azmin's past actions have a small impact on his ability to serve and fulfill the needs of the Hulu Kelang people.

On the other hand, Universiti Sains Malaysia Political Sociology Professor Sivamurugan Pandian said Azmin will be facing a challenging road ahead of him if he wants to win against PKR Women's deputy chief, Juwairiyah Zulkifli.

While Azmin's popularity as ex-Menteri Besar may precede himself, he should also recognise that the political landscape have drastically changed.

"Back in 1999, the political spectrum was different. Anwar's sacking and PKR’s first general election greatly influenced his success.

"In 20 years, the area's voter demographic and voting pattern have surely changed.

"With the bulk of young and new voters, Azmin may want to revisit his reason for choosing this seat.

"With Pakatan Harapan putting out a woman candidate in Hulu Kelang, they are most likely trying to address young voters and woman voters in the area," he said.

Sivamurugan explained that if Azmin wants to be reelected, he should consider gearing up his machinery and not only rely on Perikatan Nasional's wave.

He further explained that after what ensued in GE15, Azmin's campaign will surely be observed by many.

With the fragmentation of Malay votes, fence-sitters, and first-time voters, how he runs his political campaign may make or break his chances.

"If he can tackle these groups, Azmin Ali can win back Hulu Kelang," he added.