PN's decision to field Malay candidate in KKB by-election can be challenging - Experts

SHAH ALAM - Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) decision to field a Malay candidate in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election is quite challenging yet presents an opportunity, say experts.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) political analyst Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam said this was because the KKB seat has traditionally been held by Chinese candidates, whether from Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Harapan (PH).

"Another reason for Bersatu's biggest challenge is the public's trust in the party, given their track record of party hopping by their candidates.

"This could give an advantage to the PH candidate because if this perception is strong among the people, they will likely continue to vote for the PH candidate rather than the Bersatu candidate, who may have a chance of switching allegiance to PH," he told Sinar Daily.

However, Aziz said PN might have a chance to win if the number of Malay voters was high in the by-election.

"From a demographic standpoint, the Malay population is significant, so if the percentage of Malays voting for the PN candidate is high, then there is a chance for that candidate," he said.

Hulu Selangor Bersatu action division head Khairul Azhari Saut has been named as PN’s candidate for the KKB state by-election on May 11.

The announcement was made by the party’s chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the PN Main Operations Room in Batang Kali.

Commenting further, political analyst from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said it would not be easy for Bersatu to win the people's trust despite being a better candidate than Gerakan.

"He is better than a Gerakan candidate, but it would still not be easy as Bersatu needs to do the groundwork to gain the people’s trust," she said.

When asked about the chances of PN winning the KKB seat, Syaza said it would be quite challenging.

"He has a chance to challenge Pang Sock Tao (PH candidate)," she said.

The KKB by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent from DAP, Lee Kee Hiong, 58, due to cancer on March 21.

The Election Commission has set May 11 as the polling day, May 7 for early voting and Saturday as the nomination day.