Azmin's strategic silence garners voter sympathy - KJ

SHAH ALAM - Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin believes that Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has successfully altered the sentiments of voters by not retaliating to any attacks from any party, ultimately securing victory in the Selangor state polls on Saturday.

He said despite Azmin being labeled as a traitor, the polls surprised observers as Malay voters' support shifted towards PN.

He further clarified that sentiments played by Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters were seen to favour PN candidates in attracting votes from the Malay community.

"However, he transformed (leading up to the state election) into a 'tragic character' after being attacked by everyone, wanting to conclude his political legacy in Hulu Kelang, that was the sentiment.

"These Malays, when pressed, can transform into tragic figures who garner sympathy from others," he said during the podcast programme entitled 'post-match analysis' in conjunction with the 2023 state elections, together with former Umno information chief Shahri Hamdan and former Bangi MP Dr Ong Kian Ming yesterday.

On Saturday, Azmin emerged victorious in the Hulu Kelang state seat after securing a majority of 1,671 votes defeating his rival, Juwairiya Zulkifli, who garnered 23,980 votes.

In this context, Khairy said that with Azmin's record of holding various important positions within the government administration, Selangor can become a suitable ;battleground' to ensure a fair and balanced competition.

He noted that PH needed to play a pivotal role in ensuring their positions were upheld.

"Selangor will become an intriguing battleground, even though PN seems to lack power; they can become a dignified opposition," he added.