KUALA LUMPUR: The three-cornered fights expected in more than 100 parliamentary constituencies in the 14th General Election will not affect votes in Malay-majority areas.
Institute for Malaysian Political Analysis director Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff said there would not be a drop in Malay-majority votes for the ruling coalition despite three-way or multi-cornered fights due to heightened awareness among voters.
He said Malay voters were unconvinced that the opposition would defend their interests, even if it took Putrajaya.
He said for a comprehensive victory, Barisan Nasional could highlight its achievements and efforts in the past and present, as well as what it would do to champion the interests of Malays and Muslims.
“BN will have to highlight issues affecting the opposition and show that the opposition will be unable to govern the country properly, resulting in instability, should it assume power.”
He said three-cornered fights would be an advantage for BN, so it needed to minimise the possibility of self-sabotage and retain existing candidates, except those known to have problems with voters.
He said this election would have multi-cornered fights.
Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said BN should pay attention to the micro-management of grey seats, or seatswith a majority of less than 10 per cent.
He said this was to ensure that there were no sabotage, internal dissent, protest votes from political parties, as well as to convince fence-sitters to vote for the coalition.
“Among the grey seats are Pendang, Ketereh, Setiawangsa and Padang Terap.”
He said party machineries that were dedicated, streamlined, had a strong candidate selection system and had people in touch with local issues would determine the voting pattern.
Jerlun member of parliament Datuk Othman Aziz said his constituency would see a three-cornered fight due to the presence of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
He said he was not worried about PPBM’s presence and believed voters would be mature in making their choice.
“I will focus on socio-economic development, education and religion.”
Othman, who is deputy finance minister II, said the three-cornered fight in the constituency would likely be intense even though it was an Umno seat.
“People need a party that can deliver and fulfil the expectations of the electorate.
“Whoever can deliver and fulfil their needs will be chosen.
“BN has a better chance of garnering the people’s trust and support.”
Additional reporting by Farhana Syed Nokman