KUALA TERENGGANU: A fragmented opposition, coupled with a family feud, have brightened Barisan Nasional’s chances of capturing the three state assembly seats in the Marang parliamentary constituency.
Marang Umno division chief Abdul Latiff Awang said BN’s confidence was brimming with high hopes on the Rhu Rendang, Bukit Payong and Alor Limbat state seats.
This was in addition to retaining the Pengkalan Berangan state seat held by Latiff.
"In fact, we are equally hopeful of wresting the Marang parliamentary seat and Rhu Redang state seat from Pas which are also held by Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
"A lot favours BN as the opposition had not delivered on its promises since the last general election," said Latiff on its chances in the forthcoming 14th General Election.
Apart from facing a BN candidate, Hadi is reportedly being challenged by a relative of his wife, Miqdad Zakaria, from Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) for Marang.
This can be seen as splitting the votes in favour of BN.
Latiff, who is also State Education, Science, Technology and Government Transformation Committee chairman, added that issues like housing and other community affairs were not addressed by the opposition.
"The tide is more in our favour as the opposition is now disunited, no thanks to the splitting in Pas which has led to PAN.
"Coupled with BN’s fielding likeable and winnable candidates, we are confident of winning the three state seats along with the parliamentary seat," said Latiff, adding that BN’s confidence stemmed from the fact that it had previously won in Bukit Payong and Alor Limbat.
Latiff recalled how BN had caused a stir during the 1986 and 2004 general elections when Hadi was toppled by giant-killer Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Bakar.
Likewise, Latiff said, a similar scenario could recur in favour of BN as the feedback obtained was that the people disfavoured the opposition this time around.