KUALA LUMPUR – Although the stakes are high for major coalitions Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Selangor state election, voters should not view the polling as an experiment.
BN candidate for Gombak Setia Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, who is also state BN chief, emphasised that voters must understand the value of each vote and that the potential consequences of any mistakes could lead to “greater harm”.
Even though it may not directly impact the federal government, he said, the balloting is crucial for the country.
It would therefore be a severe mistake to think that abstaining from voting is of no consequence, he stressed.
“One should not perceive these polls as a mere trial election, as the continuity of the federal government is still at stake. No state can afford to be out of sync with the federal government,” he asserted, according to a report in Harian Metro.
He further explained that such a situation would hinder all planning and development, especially in critical matters within the state.
He cited Kelantan as an example, where the lack of alignment with the federal government for over 30 years has impeded progress, economic growth, and infrastructure development in the state.
Megat highlighted that Selangor’s ability to attract people from all over the country is a testament to the state’s achievements. He also praised the concept of the unity government, stating that it represents the best administrative module.
“The political landscape has changed. Therefore, I urge the people and voters in Selangor not to be swayed or influenced by the notion that abstaining from voting does not matter. This is not true, as your votes determine the position and stability of Selangor itself,” he urged.
Regarding the five-year offer that will be launched by PH-BN in Selangor tomorrow, Megat asserted that it is a result of the allied coalitions’ experiences during their administration of Selangor.
He described the proposal as both practical and appealing, rather than mere sweet promises.
Losing state may dent governance over country
PN has entered the Selangor election with a clear ambition – to seize control of the state. One of the strategies they are banking on is the “green wave”, which refers to a Malay vote swing towards PN.
By capitalising on shifting sentiments among Malay voters, PN hopes it will translate into electoral success in Selangor.
Winning Selangor, with it being the country’s most populous and economically significant state, would be a remarkable political achievement for PN.
However, should PN succeed in wresting control of Selangor from the PH-BN alliance, it could potentially lead to instability at the federal government level.
The loss of Selangor, combined with the already delicate political balance at the national level, might impact the alliance’s cohesion and effectiveness in governing the country.
As such, the implications of Selangor falling into PN’s hands are being closely watched by political observers. – The Vibes, July 30, 2023
