Sg Bakap PH candidate not an ‘underdog’: Political analyst
NIBONG TEBAL: Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election Dr Joohari Ariffin admits that he bears a heavy responsibility to help the coalition recapture the seat.
Joohari said he needs to work hard to wrest back the seat, which was PKR’s stronghold for three terms since 2008 before it was won by PAS in 2023.
PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, when met after the candidate nomination on Saturday, said it is the best opportunity for PH to potentially recapture the seat, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the unity government in Penang.
Political analyst Prof Dr Jayum Jawan expressed confidence that former teacher Joohari could break the status quo of the seat.
He emphasised that Joohari, supported by the coalition at federal and state levels, is not an “underdog” candidate. He noted that while Joohari acknowledged personal pressure, the Sungai Bakap byelection is viewed as a battleground where Malay political parties vie for Malay voter support, transcending individual candidates.
“A win for PKR and PH will energise Malay support towards these two. This battleground underscores the shift in Malay support,” said Jayum, who is Universiti Putra Malaysia Political Science lecturer.
Jayum, who is also a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, said the straight fight between PH and Perikatan Nasional (PN) devoid of third-party disruption underscores the strategic planning by ruling and opposition parties for the by-election.
On PKR’s victories in the Sungai Bakap state assembly seat during the general elections of 2008, 2013, and 2018, the party secured a majority ranging from over 1,800 to 2,300 votes,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Political Science programme senior lecturer Jamaie Hamil expressed optimism about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s prospects to reclaim the seat in the upcoming by-election.
“If we look at the history of Sungai Bakap in the three previous general elections, the actual competition was between PKR and Barisan Nasional (BN), not with PAS,” he said.
The political observer also said the absence of independent candidates or other small political parties reflects a trend observed in the previous seven by-elections.
In the July 6 polls, Joohari will face Nibong Tebal PAS deputy chief Abidin Ismail, who is representing PN.
The by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
In the state election held in August last year, Nor Zamri, who was Nibong Tebal PAS chief, defeated PH candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose with a majority of 1,563 votes.