KUALA LUMPUR – The victory of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam in the Pelangai by-election underscores the growing acceptance of the political cooperation between the coalition and Pakatan Harapan (PH), analysts said.
Nur Ashikin Yusof, a political and international relations analyst from Universiti Utara Malaysia, said voters in the state constituency, particularly the Chinese community, rejected Perikatan Nasional (PN) despite expectations that they might skip voting due to DAP’s collaboration with its political rival, Umno.
She said that the trend started with the Simpang Jeram state and Pulai parliamentary by-elections, leading to BN’s victory in Pelangai. “It is evident that people are beginning to place their trust in the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” Ashikin said.
She said that although the majority decreased from 4,048 votes to 2,949 votes, the non-Malay voters who supported PH did not boycott the election but instead turned out to the voting centres to secure Pelangai, a BN stronghold.
Ashikin said that the effective administration and economic development achievements under the leadership of Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Ismail also contributed to BN’s success in maintaining its hold on the state seat.
“In addition to addressing the weaknesses identified from the previous state election results, Wan Rosdy has been actively working. He has introduced various forms of assistance and initiatives and has implemented policies aimed at boosting the economy, particularly by attracting foreign investors to the state,” she said.
Ashikin added that the results should encourage PH and BN to minimise internal disputes in order to ensure the continued stability of the unity government.
“This development must be taken seriously by leaders in both political coalitions because the people now expect them to lead the country. The public’s acceptance can serve as a guide and a signal from the community on how they can enact reforms at the leadership and grassroots levels to achieve more victories in other states, thereby contributing holistically to Malaysia’s development,” she said.
Awang Azman Awang Pawi, a political analyst from Universiti Malaya, echoed similar sentiments, saying that BN’s victory signifies enduring public support, even in the face of a more prominent PN campaign.
The victory confirms BN’s confidence that Pelangai remains one of its strongholds in Pahang, he said.
“Despite an aggressive propaganda campaign by PN throughout the by-election, it is clear that the people of Pelangai continue to have faith in BN’s leadership. This result indirectly reaffirms the party’s confidence,” Awang Azman said.
He noted that the campaign to discredit BN-PH, as well as its top leaders Anwar and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was rejected by voters in Pelangai, even though PN brought prominent figures to support its campaign, such as former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“The desire of PN to gain control of the area remains unfulfilled as long as BN continues to secure victories like the one today,” he said.
Awang Azman said following this victory, Amizar must remain vigilant and not become complacent. Instead, he should continue to provide exemplary service to represent the interests of his constituents.
“With increasing cost-of-living demands, Amizar needs to be better prepared and not take this victory lightly,” he said.
Earlier, the Election Commission announced that Amizar had secured the seat with a majority of 2,949 votes, defeating PN candidate Kassim Samat and independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli.
The Bentong Umno committee member secured 7,324 votes, while Kasim received 4,375 votes. Haslihelmy only obtained 46 votes, resulting in the loss of his deposit.
The Pelangai by-election was held following the death of its incumbent from BN, Datuk Seri Johari Harun, who perished in the Elmina plane crash in Shah Alam on August 17. – October 7, 2023
