ARAU – Promises by Perikatan Nasional (PN) to appoint a PAS menteri besar for Perlis ring hollow as the Islamist party has not enjoyed widespread support in the small northern state.
Former Perlis menteri besar, between 1986 and 1995, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh told The Vibes that PAS has supporters in Sanglang, which is considered its stronghold, but Perlis voters will opt for service and development instead.
Hamid, when met at his home here, recalled that as a doctor, he used to serve the constituents in Sanglang in the wee hours when they were unwell in the 1980s.
“It was the PAS stronghold, but they gave me the vote because I served them as a doctor and supported me during my time as menteri besar.
“The issue is how Perlis Umno can put the people’s interests before their political careers.”
As for former Umno warlord Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim running on the PN ticket, Hamid smiled and said it is “in character” for Shahidan, whom he had handpicked to be his deputy in Arau Umno.
“It is Shahidan at his best. I am sure he understands his actions may open the door for former rivals of PAS to creep in.”
Shahidan is now vouching for PN by advocating for the return of Muafakat Nasional (MN) or perpaduan ummah (Muslim unity) where Umno and PAS had a political pact.
Hamid, who was Kangar MP from 1999 to 2003, said Umno and Perlis need a revival by selecting young and talented leaders, who must be given a chance to redeem the party’s image, which has been besmirched in the last three decades.
“It is also a generational thing where now is the time for the young to take over. Enough of old politics.”
Nonetheless, Hamid remains optimistic that Barisan Nasional (BN)/Umno may scrape through in Perlis with the slimmest margins or even “hung” state assembly.
Meanwhile, Shahidan when met during his campaigning, sounded reserved when asked whether he was confident of delivering PN the Arau seat and the state government.
While vowing that he will not return to Umno after he was expelled, a “backdoor” may be open to leaders who were dropped as candidates via the revival of MN and Malay unity.
Shahidan has also campaigned in the Bintong state constituency where caretaker menteri besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man of BN is running.
However, Azlan has a popularity problem as he is seen to have a cold disposition whereas the Perlis folk are known for their friendly (hemoi) nature.
He has a reputation as a “Mr I Know”, but Azlan’s aides are convinced that he has implemented the right policies to bring development to the state.
Insiders say politics in Perlis is complex although it only has three parliamentary seats and 15 state ones.
Opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan also remains buoyant but voters here are looking for a menteri besar who can galvanise the state while being comfortable engaging with them, they added. – The Vibes, November 18, 2022
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