GEORGE TOWN – Will the highly publicised moves by Warisan and Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) to enter the electoral battlefield in Penang dent the hopes of existing opposition parties here?
Though piqued by the “disturbance” brought about by the new players, which could possibly siphon away votes from older parties, the leaders appear unrattled by the prospect of an increasingly crowded arena.
Instead of expressing any disdain towards the “invaders”, they have partially pinned the blame on the performance of the current state government, which they allege has fallen short of the people’s expectations, thereby enticing newcomers to try their political luck.
Penang Umno chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said any registered political party can come to the state and contest in state or federal constituencies during general elections.
He said it is the people who will decide which party should represent them in the state assembly or in Parliament as the voters know what is best for them.
“Any new party coming into politics will definitely claim that they have the support of the people, and they can also claim to contest all state constituencies here and take over the state government. But they must have the confidence first. Otherwise, who is going to believe them?
“At last, it is the people who are going to elect their representatives and they know the best. No voter will cast a vote for a new party that has no confidence to win,” Musa said.
He said the Penang people and voters are mature enough to appropriately select their representatives and the state government of their choice.
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Musa said this when he was asked to comment on the announcements by Sabah-based Warisan and newly formed PBM on their intentions to establish branches and recruit new members in Penang.
In December, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal attended a public event in Penang and sought the support of locals, saying that there is a need for a truly multiracial party in the country that would guarantee equal opportunity and equality among the people of Malaysia.
Last week, PBM announced its entry into Penang. Its state chairman Alan Oh, a former PKR Bagan division chief, also introduced the leaders of the various divisions to the media.
Oh had even proclaimed PBM’s confidence in taking over the state government in the next general election, claiming that the party has capable leaders with calibre to gain the confidence of the people.
Reflection of loss of faith in DAP
State MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng opined that the people have lost hope in the DAP-led state government as it has failed to deliver on its promises.
However, he welcomed the new political parties to Penang as they have the right to contest in the next general election.
“People are suffering because of Covid-19 and its effects on the economy as many have lost jobs and the prices of goods have gone up manifold,” he said.
“The B40 and the underprivileged are especially facing difficulties in everyday life as the state government has failed to address the problems of the poor and the underprivileged.
“The state Barisan Nasional (BN) with Umno, MCA and MIC will come back in strength to prove our commitment to the people with a strong mandate,” said Tan, who is also the Penang Port Commission chairman.
State PAS commissioner Fauzi Yusof said the need for more political parties in Penang does not arise as the state has sufficient political parties to represent the people and address their problems. He said the new parties will not make any impact in Penang.
He said the invasion of new political parties will confuse the people, adding that the new parties would have their own political agenda and goals known only to them.
“As for the Malays and the Muslim community, we have PAS, Umno and Bersatu, which are popular among these communities.
“However, we cannot stop them from coming to Penang as Malaysia is a democratic country and it is a democratic process, and they have the freedom to operate and contest in Penang,” he said.
Expect more parties to come
State Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong, when contacted, said more new parties are coming to Penang because there is a political vacuum here as it also reflects the failure of the state government led by DAP.
He said that not only Warisan and PBM are descending on Penang, but many more new parties will set foot in the state to seek the people’s mandate.
“People had lost hope in DAP. Veteran DAP leaders are leaving the party to other new political parties as they know DAP is only good at talking, but it did not deliver on its promises.
“Before coming to power in the state, they promised to abolish the Sg Nyor (road) and Penang Bridge tolls,” Oh said.
“Then they said they need to become the federal government to abolish the entire toll system in the country and PTPTN loans, and give recognition to the United Examination Certificate for the Chinese schools,” he said, noting that none of these happened. – The Vibes, January 31, 2022
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