‘Take care of non-Malay votes too’

Analysts: Election frequency one of the causes of voter fatigue

PETALING JAYA: While winning the Malay votes is given top priority by both the ruling and opposition coalitions in the state elections, the parties cannot ignore the non-Malay voters in Selangor and Penang, two of the most developed states among the six states, say analysts and politicians.

Political scientist Prof Wong Chin Huat from Sunway University said there is a big possibility that non-Malay voters, who voted for Pakatan Harapan in the last general election just eight months ago, may not be voting in Selangor and Penang this time.

He cited voter fatigue as the main reason, along with the need for voters to return to their hometowns to cast their votes.

He also believes that holding a separate state election from a general election will result in lower voter turnout by 10% to 20%.

Wong said if the non-Malays in Selangor and Penang do not go out and vote, Pakatan Harapan may lose many marginal seats, and the ruling party may be toppled in Selangor.

“The biggest party in town may not be the political parties, but the party of ‘I am too lazy to vote’ – those who feel that their votes will not change politics.

“These voters comprise 36% to 46% of the electorate,” he added.

Wong said Perikatan Nasional may lose marginal seats that have less than 70% Malay voters, indirectly due to the recent controversial comments by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Azmil Tayeb said the fight for the Malay votes will still be strong in the semi-urban areas of Selangor and Penang.

However, Negri Sembilan Umno chief and Pertang Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said every vote, whether from Malays or non-Malays, counts.

“We will show the voters of Barisan and Pakatan the good track records of the state.

“My state constituency has 28% non-Malay voters. I would never disregard any non-Malay vote – be they Chinese, Indian or Orang Asli,” he added.

Jalaluddin said it is still vital that Umno gets support from the Malay voters in Negri Sembilan so that the unity government can manage its administration effectively.

Selangor PAS commissioner and Sijangkang Perikatan candidate Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said Perikatan candidates included former state exco members and a mentri besar.

“Our past track record shows that we have provided efficient service to all races, not just the Malays. We are definitely not focused on Malay voters, as Malaysia is a multiethnic country and it would not be right for us to sideline the non-Malays.

“Studies have shown that Perikatan has managed to gain Indian supporters,” he said.

Meanwhile, PAS will fight misinformation against the party to reach non-Malay voters in Selangor and Penang, said its vice-president and Bagan Serai MP Datuk Idris Ahmad.

He added that misinformation is being spread that creates fear among the non-Malays, especially the Chinese, and that Perikatan, especially PAS, is a party that should be feared by everyone, especially the non-Malays.

Idris said the Perikatan election machinery has been directed to use Chinese and English in its campaigns and organise focus groups to explain to non-Malay voters that they need not fear the party.

Selayang PKR MP William Leong is confident that Pakatan can get the non-Malay votes due to the amendment to the Federal Constitution that introduced automatic voter registration.

“We will also be able to get more Malay votes because of the cooperation between Barisan and Pakatan in the unity government.

“The people want political stability and solutions to economic issues over identity politics,” he said.