PKR likely to defend key parliamentary seats if GE16 called this year

PKR is poised to retain at least 25 of its current parliamentary seats if the 16th General Election (GE16) is held this year, according to a field study conducted by researchers from several public universities.

The research examined voter support trends across 66 parliamentary constituencies targeted by PKR for the upcoming polls.

Professor of Politics and International Relations at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, said the study ran from January until last month and surveyed 14,962 respondents through interviews, including face-to-face sessions.

“These 25 constituencies, which are difficult for opponents to challenge, are considered PKR strongholds. Many are concentrated in Selangor, Johor, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur,” he told Berita Harian yesterday.

“These areas are predominantly urban and suburban, such as Ampang, Gombak, Petaling Jaya, Sungai Buloh, Wangsa Maju, Batu, Lembah Pantai, Batu Pahat, and Tebrau. Tambun in Perak is also considered a safe seat for PKR,” he added.

Of the 66 constituencies surveyed, 30 are classified as marginal seats, where PKR could either win or lose, often by narrow margins.

“In these constituencies, a victory would likely be by fewer than 5,000 votes, and a loss would be similarly narrow,” Azizuddin explained.

Several constituencies in Kedah, including Alor Setar, Kuala Kedah, Merbok, and Padang Serai, fall into this marginal category.

“These seats can be won if PKR intensifies voter education on current issues and increases grassroots engagement by party leaders. Given the high number of swing voters, such efforts could strengthen voter confidence,” he said.

The remaining 10 constituencies are considered difficult for PKR to capture, mostly in Kelantan and Terengganu. Other challenging areas include Kulim Bandar Bharu in Kedah, Tanjung Karang in Selangor, Bagan Serai in Perak, and Muar in Johor.

“These regions are largely dominated by Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Barisan Nasional (BN) and are mainly rural. Our analysis shows PKR’s support is relatively weaker outside urban centres,” he noted.

In Pandan, represented by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, PKR remains in a safe position despite some internal criticism from the incumbent MP.

“Among younger voters, support is unpredictable, as loyalty to candidates or parties is lower, and voting decisions are often influenced by current sentiments. Nevertheless, PKR has a strong base in Pandan, and the candidate’s profile, along with party strength, should secure the seat.”

“Internal disputes involving Rafizi must be managed carefully to avoid eroding support,” Prof. Mohd Azizuddin said.

Regarding the prospects of PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar, he said the young leader has a strong chance of returning to Parliament, whether contesting Batu or Bandar Tun Razak.

“It has been suggested that Izzah may contest Batu, while her mother, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, could step aside for her in Bandar Tun Razak. PKR has a favourable chance in both constituencies,” he noted.

He added that Permatang Pauh remains a critical seat for PKR, being the traditional stronghold of party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Asked whether BN’s decision to contest independently would pose a challenge for PKR and PH, Azizuddin said a three-cornered fight among BN, PH, and PN in the upcoming election would likely result in no coalition securing a clear majority to form the government. – May 11, 2026