PETALING JAYA – Umno looks set to retain the Pelangai state seat in Pahang tomorrow as voters expressed their happiness with the unity government and state government, revealed a survey by the Academy of Malay Studies at Universiti Malaya.
Universiti Malaya political analyst Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the survey found that Felda voters are supportive and appreciative of efforts made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said it was not easy to get the support of Felda settlers at first, but they have come to realise the importance of working with the unity government for their better future.
“The narrative of change presented by Perikatan Nasional (PN) has not made any real inroads in Pelangai although they may have received some support.
“The voters in Pelangai don’t appreciate the narrative of bringing about change by overthrowing the unity government and state government.
“This platform of change by PN did not resonate well with the voters.”
He said the state government’s strength and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail’s positive image has had a significant impact on the way the voters think and support Barisan Nasional (BN).
Awang Azman said Chinese and Indian voters also realise the importance of supporting the unity government, noting that PAS’ narrative of ultra-nationalism did not go down well with the two groups.
He said the previous assemblyman, the late Datuk Seri Johari Harun, had done a good job in the constituency.
BN’s push to continue his legacy has been well received by the voters, Awang Azman added.
Pelangai has 16,371 registered voters. Johari previously won the seat with a 4,048 majority in 2022 during GE15.
Datuk Amizar Abu Adam of Umno-BN; PAS’ Kasim Samat of Perikatan Nasional (PN), and independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli are contesting the seat.
Awang Azman also said the survey found that BN stands a 55.5% chance of winning Pelangai, while Perikatan’s chances are 43.2%. The remaining 1.3% voters are undecided.
From the survey, it was found that 57.1% of voters are satisfied with Anwar’s leadership. Another 3.1% stated that they are very satisfied.
“It also revealed that 69.8% of voters are satisfied with the performance of Wan Rosdy, while 11.9% are very satisfied.”
The Pelangai Memilih survey was conducted by independent data analyst Shahrill Sabarudin, Awang Azman, Suffian Mansor, Prof Novel Anak Lyndon, Nasrullah and 11 other assistants.
The survey was held from September 29 to October 2.
It polled 1,772 residents in the entire Pelangai state seat’s nine polling districts, with a 2.2% margin error. – The Vibes, October 6, 2023
