KUALA LUMPUR – The green wave that swept through Kedah during the 15th general election is now slowing down, according to state Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
In that election, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition emerged victorious, securing an impressive 13 out of the 14 parliamentary seats in the state.
The surge in support for PN led to notable casualties, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, who served as menteri besar twice. Both father and son suffered defeat, losing their deposits along the way.
The monumental shift in political fortunes brought about by the green wave seemed to have propelled PN to amass significant votes in November’s national polls.
However, as the dust settles and the political climate changes, the momentum behind the green wave appears to be waning, according to Mahdzir.
In a statement yesterday, he expressed his belief that the once overwhelming force of the wave has receded, signifying a return to the pre-wave political landscape.
To better understand the context, it is essential to recall the dynamics of the 14th general election in 2018.
Prior to the appearance of the green wave, PAS had secured a modest 15 state seats, rendering it unable to form the state government.
During that time, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition had taken charge, only to be replaced by PAS midway through its tenure.
When the PH-led state government collapsed in 2020, vocal PAS leader Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor took over as menteri besar from Mukhriz.
With the green wave’s apparent slowdown, Mahdzir foresees a closely contested race in the upcoming election scheduled for August 12, where six states, including Kedah, will hold their respective polls.
During the last general election, the green wave influenced voters significantly, causing many to cast their ballots based on emotion rather than evaluating the candidates’ track records.
Mahdzir stressed the importance of considering candidates’ service and performance for voters to make informed decisions instead of being swayed by sentiments or merely rejecting Barisan Nasional out of habit.
He cautioned against merely riding the wave without critically examining other vital aspects of governance.
Mahdzir will face a one-on-one fight against PN’s Mohd Radzi Md Amin for the Pedu seat. – The Vibes, August 1, 2023
