Chinese voters will now back GHB, not PAS, says analyst
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21, 2015:
Selangor PAS will likely face an uphill battle in maintaining its influence and strength come the 14th general election, a political analyst says.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Prof Datuk Dr Samsul Adabi Mamat said the split within PAS, with its members leaving the party and joining Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB), would affect the Islamic party.
PAS’ victories in the last general election, he explained, depended heavily on the support of the Chinese community who made up 20-40% of voters in Selangor in several areas.
“Hence, the Chinese support gave strength to PAS when fighting Umno. What is happening now will be a challenge for PAS.
“Chinese voters will no longer support PAS and will certainly back GHB, which will ally itself with DAP and PKR in the Opposition coalition.
Even though PAS will dominate in the majority Malay areas, it will break up to three corners if Umno also contests in those areas and it will make it difficult for PAS,” he said when contacted today.
He said this when asked to comment on some 400 PAS office bearers from the Kota Raja, Klang and Kapar areas resigning to join GHB.
Meanwhile, 21 Shah Alam PAS committee members also resigned, including 18 of their committee members, “to uphold the fight of Islam with more confidence”.
Samsul reminded that PAS’ win in 15 state assembly seats enabled the party to have a solid representation even in a developed state like Selangor.
Post time 20-8-2015 05:21 PM
Post time 20-8-2015 05:31 PM
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