BOTH Umno and PAS are confident they will be victorious in Selangor if there are three-cornered fights in the 14th general election.

Umno feels that with the inclusion of several former menteris besar in its corner, and with unity in the party at a high level, it will recapture the state.

PAS is confident that it stands a chance as voters will choose a “clean” party.

Sg Besar Umno MP Budiman Mohd Zohdi said: “The unity in Umno is very good now after several former menteris besar said they would help Barisan Nasional recapture Selangor.”

State PAS election director Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir said the party was confident of wining the state if three-cornered fights took place as voters would choose a “clean party with an excellent record”.

“Among the factors for our confidence are the performance and service of not just the party’s excos and lawmakers, but also local councillors.”

In the previous two general elections, Umno had lost in straight fights.

Budiman and Roslan were responding to DAP elections strategy director Ong Kian Ming’s prediction that Pakatan Harapan would win Selangor even if there were three-cornered fights in GE14.

Ong said Selangor voters were practical and would pick the party that best fulfilled their demands.

“Although the Selangor administration is not perfect, it is still viewed positively by voters in the state.

“This includes the free medical card for low-income families and individuals, and the free bus service.”

Besides the unity factor, Budiman said, Selangor voters had begun to show signs that they were tired with Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali’s leadership.

“Azmin will be remembered as the weakest menteri besar, but the strongest in politicking.”

Last week, state BN chief Noh Omar announced the return of former menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib to Umno. Muhammad, together with two former menteris besar, Abu Hassan Omar and Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, are expected to help BN in its attempt to regain Selangor.

However, Roslan, who is also PAS deputy information chief, said BN’s chances were slim, especially after appointing the former three menteris besar as its “key players”.

“Based on the research PAS did, Malay voters in Selangor have more confidence in PAS than in other parties, including Umno.

“They (BN) made a huge mistake by having the three former Selangor MBs assisting in BN’s (election) machinery because they bear the burden pertaining to moral problems that cannot be forgotten easily by the people in Selangor.”

Dr Khir told The Malaysian Insight that there was no overall study that determined which was the strongest party in Selangor.

“As such, each party can have its own views. It is more important for all parties to avoid regressive politics and the use of racial rhetoric.” – September 26, 2017.