GEORGE TOWN – The state election in Penang could see a major shift among voters in the Malay belt giving support to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there is confidence in the Malay vote given the unity government’s record since taking over the country’s leadership eight months ago.
The prime minister who had a packed schedule in Penang today said the Malays will be making the right decision to save Malaysia for all races.
“There is concern in the Malay belt areas following the results of the 15th general election in Penang. At that time, some claimed they could not trust Anwar as he is with DAP.
“They alleged he (Anwar) is leaving Islam, which was the previous propaganda. After eight months, the message has now turned to saving Islam and the Malays,” he said when speaking at a ceramah for the Penang Madani Unity Tour at Karpal Singh Drive here tonight.
In this regard, the PKR president said he believed and is confident that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow will receive even better support and a larger mandate from Malay voters.
“Penang is a model of good governance, rule of law, care for the economy, and the assurance that every community has a place in this state,” he said.
Anwar said he also believed that Penang’s people are always leading the trend, not only in 2008’s change of state government, but also in the national Malay struggle.
“Reforms start here. Malay newspapers also began in Penang. Malay awareness began in Penang. It was the people’s awakening with the victory of Pakatan Rakyat.
“So make sure we maintain our strength, base, and leadership in terms of the people’s awareness to bring change to Malaysia,” he said.
Anwar said he was optimistic about the state’s future and promised to help Penang by paying special attention to developments such as the LRT project and expansion of Bayan Lepas Airport.
The Election Commission has set polling day in Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Negri Sembilan to be held simultaneously on August 12 with early voting on August 8. – Bernama, August 5, 2023
