ALOR STAR – The outcome of the coming six state elections should not be seen as the sole yardstick for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s performance, as each state and constituency have their own issues which can influence the results.
Hence, it is inaccurate to link the results to the overall performance nor use it as an endorsement of the present unity government, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil here.
He said there were many more important matters for the government to address than just the six state elections.
“There are numerous factors which can influence the outcome of the state elections, not just the performance of the government”, he said.
Fahmi said the challenge on the part of the federal administration was to resolve issues in every state, and by doing so, win the trust and confidence of the people.
“But to pin the entire burden solely on Anwar would be unfair,” said Fahmi when met at the sidelines of the Madani Aidilfitri open house in Hotel Raia here.
Fahmi also told election watchdog Bersih that it is not right to claim that the federal government’s decision to organise Aidilfitri open houses in states involved in the upcoming polls was an “election sweetener”.
According to him, three open houses in Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan are being hosted by the respective state governments while the federal administration is only assisting.
In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, he acknowledged that the federal government was the main organiser, but stressed that it was a programme tailored as a common public engagement.
“If we just do it in Sri Perdana (prime minister’s official residence), many people from other states cannot come. So we go to them as a public engagement exercise.”
This outreach will also enable Anwar to meet the people to better understand the local issues confronting them, said Fahmi, adding that the response in Kedah has been warm.
He also mentioned that Anwar is going to Sabah tomorrow for a similar event even though there is no state election there.
Fahmi added that the country is on the right track under the unity government which is focused on working for the people, rather than seeking political mileage.
“For example, our inflation rate was brought down to 3.4% last month. We are doing things 9to improve) and hopefully, the people can see it. We are also reducing red tapes so costs of doing business are also reduced.”
‘No absolute loyalty sign of maturing democracy’
Meanwhile, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli said it is unfair to assume that Undi18 voters (first-time voters) would continue to support the Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the six state elections, especially in Kedah.
In the last general election, PN swept 14 out of the 15 Parliament seats in Kedah on the strength of Undi 18 voters, who were reported to be successfully wooed by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor, who is also PAS elections director.
Adam said that the young voters just like other fence sitters can swing.
“Many voters follow the pendulum theory. There is no longer absolute voter loyalty, and it is a sign of a maturing democracy.”
Adam said that the young voters may swing back to Pakatan Harapan and its ally Barisan Nasional in the six state elections.
“We do not take any voter for granted. We must work to fulfil the aspiration of the majority of voters, whether they are young or old.”
Adam said that the calibre of the candidates is far more important than just their ages, as the country needs leaders who can deliver, not just preach. – The Vibes, April 29, 2023
