Azmin to capitalise on potential ruling coalition loss - Analyst

Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali – FILE PIX

SHAH ALAM – Selangor’s Opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is poised to emerge as a significant beneficiary should the ruling coalition lose the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

According to political analyst and senior lecturer at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Afi Rozhesry, the state seat polls were being viewed as a litmus test for both Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

A victory for PN would undoubtedly deal a blow to PH, positioning Azmin, a former ally of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as the victor in the process.

“The recent political upheaval within Umno’s internal strife, coupled with its conflicts with DAP, tarnished the image of the unity government.

“I anticipate PN will leverage the 3R (racial, religion and royalty) issues and if successful, it could refurbish Azmin’s standing in Selangor while weakening PH,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted.

Afi further pointed out that PN stood to gain from the disarray within Umno, particularly with its Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh spearheading a solo campaign against DAP and Anwar.

He stressed that Malay votes were pivotal to PN’s prospective victory in the upcoming polls.

“If the entirety of Malay voters decides to fulfill their civic duties, regrettably, I strongly believe the unity government will face trouble.

“This skepticism stems from the unity government’s inability to garner the confidence of Malay voters, compounded by internal strife within the coalition,” he added.

Nevertheless, despite the hurdles, PH retained the advantage of being the incumbent government in Selangor.

“However, it contends with dissent from its coalition partner within the unity government, Barisan Nasional (BN), where both MCA and MIC have declared their refusal to campaign for DAP in the constituency,” he said.

The May 11 by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu was called after the death of its three-term assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong, from cancer.

On Wednesday, DAP unveiled Pang Sock Tao as PH’s candidate for the seat. Pang served as the press secretary to DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming.

Meanwhile, PN nominated Khairul Azhari Saut, Bersatu’s acting chief in Hulu Selangor as its candidate last night.