WHETHER they realise it or not, voters in Malacca will decide tomorrow on the longstanding problem between the old and new political leadership in our country.

The main battle is between Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH). The other contenders are mostly trying their luck, with many of them potentially losing their election deposits.

Barisan Nasional

BN has no local icon to tout.

Its former chief minister Sulaiman Md Ali is a nonentity who did not register on the minds of the Malaccans whereas Malacca Umno liaison chief Ab Rauf Yusoh is despised by many for his demeanour as well as his involvement in mega projects involving land reclamation.

There is a strong rumour that if BN wins, Sulaiman will only serve as chief minister until the next general election to pave the way for Rauf.

On top of this, BN’s poster boy in the Malacca state election is former prime minister Najib Razak, a convict who has caused colossal financial cost to the nation.

His greed knows no bounds, as evident in the latest revelation that he has requested that the federal government gift him a house worth RM100 million.

Perikatan Nasional

PN is putting up posters of its chief who is also Bersatu leader Muhyiddin Yassin’s “Abah Sayang Melaka” (Your Dear Father Loves Malacca) image around the state, particularly in Malay areas.

It is a reflection of a coalition with no local leaders and had to resort to a failed former prime minister to save the day.

PN had to cast aside its state chief Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen as he is a highly controversial figure in the eyes of the Malaccan people.

As I predicted earlier, PN announced deputy Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin as its chief minister, with an eye on capturing Tanjung Bidara – a hot seat involving her as well as Rauf and Zainal Hassan of Pakatan Harapan.

Pakatan Harapan

PH has Adly Zahari, the popular chief minister who won the 2018 general election, and is praised for his integrity, sincerity, and friendliness.

He is seen as a problem solver who removes bureaucratic practices. He held weekly walk-in sessions with the public that provided unprecedented access to a government never seen before in Malacca’s history.

Furthermore, he is popular among all ethnic groups. The challenge now is whether Adly could lift the entire team to cross the line to win at least 15 out of 28 seats.

The real issues in Malacca

In this election, PH is projecting a government with integrity and competence, as well as moderation and a multi-ethnic character.

This is in contrast with both BN and PN, which plotted the Sheraton Coup on the claim that Malaysia would be better off served by a Malay-only government. Whether or not the ruling party is competent or upholds integrity is another matter that has gone unaddressed and unaccounted for.

While the recent issues of Timah whiskey and Kedah’s ban on 4D gaming outlets may accentuate the “for Malay” stance, non-Muslims and moderate Muslims see this as an encroachment into society’s basic freedoms.

Apart from Covid-19 recovery, the two other most important issues that concern the people of Malacca are land reclamation and flood. Both issues are, to a certain extent, intertwined.

Several swing seats are at the coastal areas and affected by a mass reclamation project that has irked the locals. BN, especially Sulaiman and Rauf, are seen as promoters of the reclamation at the expense of public interest.

Reclamation has been perceived by the locals as causing floods. Malacca experienced its worst flood just weeks ago, and it is vividly remembered.

As for the effects of Covid-19, voters are concerned about jobs, businesses, and welfare aid.

The reason Muhyiddin’s Abah posters are used in the campaign is that PN polls found some voters appreciative of his financial aid during his tenure as Prime Minister. However, I doubt this would translate into votes.

BN doesn’t shine as far as pandemic recovery is concerned while PH may or may not benefit from discontentment over the government’s poor Covid-19 management the months before.

I wish PH would have the chance to highlight more about what it can do for generating jobs with more decent pay. Hopefully, it can be done for the next election campaign.   

The day after tomorrow

At this crucial moment, voter turnout is the more important determinant.

PH has at least eight seats firmly in its column, with another four potential seats although not without a tough fight. Umno has 10 seats firmly in its hand.

The rest of the seats are all up for grabs. Based on the results of the last general election, the 10 swing seats were decided by a total of only 5,000 majority votes.

The seven state seats won by Umno in GE14 were with a majority of less than 1,000 votes while three of PH’s seats were in the same category.

This means every vote counts. 

Another factor that will determine the outcome tomorrow is how many seats PN can snatch from BN. My take is that PN won’t win more than four seats. 

I hope PH can gain an outright majority of more than 15 seats to set the state and the nation on the right path.

It is a tough battle. Perhaps, PH can pull through to form the new state government the day after tomorrow.

It is not just about forming the government but also to push the agenda of change, the transition from old politics to new, for a better Malaysia.

*Liew Chin Tong is DAP national political education director. – November 19, 2021.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.