GEORGE TOWN: Muda’s foray into the Penang state polls will show whether there are “hidden chinks in Pakatan Harapan’s armour” as it targets three seats with Chinese majority voters.
It will stand in Perai, Batu Uban and Pantai Jerejak – with the first held by DAP, and the other two by PKR.
The Malay electorate makes up 12% in Perai, 25% in Batu Uban and 37% in Pantai Jerejak.
As political observers do not expect Perikatan Nasional to stand much of a chance in these three seats, Muda’s entry there will test Pakatan’s dominance.
In an interview yesterday, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said these seats were chosen with the hope that the party could present an alternative.
“We aim for less than 10% of Penang’s state seats (total of 40), so we are of no issue to Pakatan’s stability in the state.
“What we offer is an alternative to continually put forward good policies on issues like climate change, sustainable development and urban regeneration.
“Muda won’t change the Penang political landscape, but I can assure you we will be vocal and champion the virtues of an inclusive multiracial society and the politics of policies,” he said.
Perai was held for three terms by Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also caretaker Deputy Chief Minister II.
Political watchers are waiting to see if DAP will present a fresh face in Perai, with Gerakan expected to field a candidate on the Perikatan ticket, while Muda is fielding businesswoman H. Vikneswary, 36, a local activist on environmental issues.
In Batu Uban, where PKR’s incumbent A. Kumaresan will defend the seat, PAS is expected to field a candidate, while Muda is fielding lawyer Lee Kim Noor, 59, the founding president of Penang Ratepayers Association and former city councillor on the island.
In Pantai Jerejak, newcomer Fahmi Zainol from PKR will replace incumbent Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and is expected to face a possible Gerakan contender, along with Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Ravinder Singh, as well as Muda’s Priyankaa Loh Xiang Pin, a 27-year-old private tutor.
“Our candidates are Penangites who feel strongly about challenges such as the hectic property development, city planning difficulties, and the need for greater checks and balances.
“We know about the urgent need for urban regeneration in Perai, the parachuting of a new candidate after Saifuddin Nasution was pulled away by federal priorities (as Home Minister), and the overdevelopment in Batu Uban,” said Syed Saddiq.
Penang Pakatan leaders’ reactions ranged from outright disapproval to nonchalance.
“Can’t they just stop?” Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, who is Penang PKR deputy chief and Balik Pulau MP, asked.
“They are free to field candidates, but to contest in constituencies that we have diligently served for years is not making a good impression,” he said.
For Penang DAP election director Wong Hon Wai, Muda is not expected to make a big impact because “the real fight is between Pakatan-Barisan and Perikatan”.
