Ready for the polls: Muhyiddin (front centre) giving the thumbs up at the Perikatan election machinery at Gerakan headquarters in Penang.
PETALING JAYA: Claiming that it is receiving “extraordinary” support from Malay voters, Perikatan Nasional believes that it can even capture the Pakatan Harapan stronghold of Penang in the upcoming state polls.
Perikatan chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin based his confidence on a survey the party did nationwide, which purportedly revealed that an overwhelming majority of Malay respondents were pro-Perikatan.
“According to our survey in Selangor or nationwide, 80% (of Malays) are pro-Perikatan,” Muhyiddin told supporters and members when launching the coalition’s election machinery in Penang yesterday.
Penang is expected to hold state elections together with Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu in early August.
Pakatan, which has ruled Penang since 2008, currently holds 35 out of the 40 seats in the state assembly.
But despite Pakatan’s dominance in Penang, Muhyiddin said Perikatan is confident of securing almost 20 seats there.
“Penang is an uphill battle but there is a good chance for us. To the top leaders, we must work hard as for Penang, we only need 21 seats to win.
“Seeing that we have an estimated chance of securing almost 20 seats, take this as a challenge,” he said.
Muhyiddin said seat negotiations between the Perikatan parties are 99% complete.
The coalition comprises Bersatu, of which Muhyiddin is also the president, PAS and Gerakan.
Muhyiddin said seat allocations are expected to be finalised by Wednesday.
“If you ask if all the component parties are satisfied with the outcome, of course, they will say no. PAS happy? No. Bersatu even more (so). Gerakan as well. So, who would be satisfied with it?
“There is only one candidate who can contest for one seat, but this is normal in the negotiation process.
“What is important is the camaraderie between the component parties because when PAS, Gerakan or Bersatu wins, it is a win for Perikatan.”
