MELAKA – Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidates in the state election are apparently riding on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s prominence and popularity in trying to capture the support of voters, with just two days left before voting.
In explaining the coalition’s decision to place Muhyiddin as its “poster boy” for the election, several candidates told The Vibes this is because the former prime minister (PM) is deemed to be widely regarded and accepted by the locals.
They said this gives them a fighting chance against Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), which are two of the more likelier coalitions to form the state government here.
“He is our booster. We know since he became the PM (in March last year), Abah has brought an extraordinary landscape and phenomenon to the people,” said Bersatu’s Ayer Molek candidate Mohd Fadly Samin.
Muhyiddin was given the moniker “Abah” by certain segments of the society during his earlier days as PM, with many commending him over his initial handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and describing him as a fatherly figure.
Despite falling out of popularity after a number of unpopular decisions – including allowing the Sabah election, and for imposing a nationwide emergency – he continues to ride on that name.
Although Muhyiddin stepped down as PM in August after losing the majority support in Parliament, Fadly – who is also Melaka Bersatu Youth chief – believes Malaysians still place their trust in the PN chairman.
“We are confident that, by putting his face up in banners and billboards across the state, this will give a spark to the rakyat to go out and vote for PN.
“When they see his face, they will tell themselves, ‘I must vote because of Abah’. The Abah factor is certainly a boost to our chances of winning Melaka.”
Since the start of campaigning last week, PN has chosen to display and promote Muhyiddin’s face in their campaign materials much more than it does its own candidates.
This is in stark contrast to BN and PH, which barely have the faces of their respective leaders on billboards or banners.
Asked if this shows that PN lacks trust in its candidates, Fadly dismissed the notion, saying those contesting still promote their own faces and brands by handing out flyers to voters.
PAS’ Bukit Katil candidate Muhamamd Al Afiz Yahya said marketing Muhyiddin more than those competing in the Melaka election is part of PN’s strategy, especially considering his good track record at the federal level.
Describing the Bersatu president as an icon, the Melaka PAS Youth chief also admitted that he himself is not recognised by most of the constituents, and that using Muhyiddin to promote the coalition can give it an edge.
I’m a young candidate. So of course, many don’t know me. They always ask, ‘who is this new guy’. Sometimes, when I go to a restaurant and sit there, people don’t recognise me too.
“But we have to realise this (Muhyiddin as poster boy) is our strategy to pull the crowd. It will touch the people’s emotions and encourage them to accept Muhyiddin.”
Melaka will head to the polls on Saturday. The election was called after the BN-led state government collapsed following the withdrawal of support from four assemblymen. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
.JPG)
