VOTERS in a straw poll in Kedah appear to be leaning towards Pakatan Harapan as the GE14 campaign approaches the halfway mark, even as police investigate the oppositions prime minister candidate for fake news.

Kedah is a frontline state PH is hoping to take back from Barisan Nasional.

Voters told Malaysia Decides they would not support the ruling coalition because of the goods and services tax (GST) and the rising cost of living, which took place against a backdrop of alleged corruption and funds misappropriation by those in power.

“The majority of Kedahans are not wealthy, so when Pakatan Harapan say they want to abolish GST, I am interested,” said Asmah Mahmud, 48, an Alor Star housewife.

Ismail Rizal, 37, a civil servant from Pokok Sena, said these days, he would find himself strapped for money by the middle of the month.

“When it reaches mid-month we are already struggling. Also, we stay on the outskirts of the city where transport is an issue. Our purchasing power has shrunk.”

Kedah has the sixth lowest income per capita of RM18,249 in Malaysia, according to 2005-2015 data from the Department of Statistics. 

Ismail said even though he a civil servant, he did not fear to vote for PH.

“It is for Malaysians to decide,” he said

Voters here said they were also more interested in the opposition this time around because of Dr Mahathir, who is PH chairman.

Abdul Halim, 55 said he believed the former prime minister had the capability to save the country.

“I was previously an Umno voter, but this time, I am changing my vote because we no longer believe in (caretaker) Prime Minister Najib Razak,” said the Pokok Sena voter.

BN has lost his trust, the businessman said, because it had become clear it was insincere and self-seeking while claiming to be working to protect the interests of Malaysians. – May 2, 2018.