Rejecting support for DAP will benefit PN, says analyst

SHAH ALAM - The protest among Umno voters against the party's cooperation with DAP will benefit Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming state polls.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Policy Studies Programme lecturer Dr Zaharul Abdullah views that those who are rejecting, especially the Malays, couldn't accept DAP following several of its leaders who acted insensitively on Malay-Islam issues and are projected to shift their support and votes to Tan Sri Muhyiddin's coalition as a sign of protest.

"PN's target to conquer Malay votes could be achieved on the grounds that PN has taken over the role and image as the protector of Malay-Islam right from Umno.

"Apart from that, the PN greenwave has not subsided, and voters' support in the last general election will be shifted to the state assembly level," he added.

It was reported that Muyiddin, who is also the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president, said there are at least 70 per cent Malay voters in the upcoming state polls in six states based on surveys and research.

Zaharul explained that the fear and doubts of the Malays towards the leadership of Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the Prime Minister in the development agenda of the people and the country will be a factor in the shift of votes from government supporters to the opposition.

"There is no specific branding on the Malay development agenda because the Prime Minister (only) emphasises the inclusive development agenda. The unclear and inconspicuous branding worries Malay voters.

"The Prime Minister's move to win the hearts of Malay voters has not been enough and couldn't be implemented before the state polls, including development issues such as water and other infrastructure that were raised during the national-level Hari Raya open house events in six states," he said.