PETALING JAYA – The Madani Economy concept touted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the way forward for the nation gives the unity government candidates in tomorrow’s polls a clear advantage.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Azmi Hassan said even now the opposition seems to be merely complaining about things but they have no clear strategy on how to deal with issues facing the states and the nation.
“This gives the unity government candidates a unique opportunity and they must take advantage of it and promote it to the voters.
“For example when speaking to rubber tappers the candidates must explain how the Madani economy can help the price of rubber to go up.
“Unfortunately not many unity government candidates are making use of it in a concerted way. They seem to be merely touching the surface of the concept.”
He said the concept resonates differently in urban and rural areas. It must be explained in simple terms, meaning using layman’s language.
Azmi said the Madani concept is a very positive plan which the candidates must make full use of.
“The pull factors will come into play depending on how the candidates explain the Madani concept but it must be in simple and plain language.”
He pointed out candidates have a lot of homework to do to explain the concept and at the same time get feedback on it.
Voters will go to the polls tomorrow in six states – Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
Universiti Malaya political analyst Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the Madani Economy aims to uplift everyone and this will give the voters the confidence to vote for the unity government in the state polls.
He said the unity government has been making inroads into the PAS strongholds of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu as the Madani concept is winning traction with voters in those states.
“Anwar made the effort to visit five locations in Kelantan during his recent visit to the state and was well received by the electorate.
“He took the time to explain the unity government’s economic plans to help lift people out of poverty and this is the kind of help voters have been looking for.”
He said there is going to be a tough fight for the unity government in the three states but they will get enough support to win some seats.
Awang Azman said the Madani Economic concept was launched just a few days before nomination for the state polls and the voters might not have enough time to totally understand it.
He added that the plan of getting people out of the low- income category will resonate with voters which will translate into support for the unity government come polling day.
He said how far the idea of the Madani Economic plan has made a real impact with the voters will only be known come tomorrow.
He said the state polls are not a referendum on the unity government as local issues carry more of an impact, but the polls will give the government an idea of what more needs to be done to win voters’ support. – The Vibes, August 11, 2023
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