ONE popular narrative being pushed by Pakatan Harapan in the general election is for voters to reject the Umno-led Barisan Nasional to stem the resurgence of tainted leaders such as Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

I am no fan of the Umno president, much less his party. But when PH uses the narrative that “one vote for BN is one vote for Zahid”, it shows that the coalition is struggling with political messaging and sending mixed, confusing signals to its electorate.

If PH wants to drive the final nail into Zahid’s political coffin, shouldn’t the coalition train its guns on Bagan Datuk, where he is seeking re-election? Rightfully, it should go all out to defeat Zahid there.

It is not unheard of for political giants to fall. Those who have done so include the late Lim Chong Eu in Bagan Datuk, the late Samy Vellu in Sungai Siput, Liow Tiong Lai in Bentong.  Koh Tsu Koon was ousted in 2008 and Lim Kit Siang in 1999.

But PH’s reluctance to train its ammo in Bagan Datuk shows the coalition’s lack of confidence in denying Zahid his seat and possibly the prime minister’s office.

Instead, PH has been pushing the “one vote for BN is one vote for Zahid” narrative in marginal seats like Sungai Buloh, Kuala Selangor and Pulai. This simply shows that the opposition is not confident of not just its candidates in those areas, but also of its chance to win Putrajaya.

This runs counter to the confidence of PH leaders Anwar Ibrahim and Rafizi Ramli, who had earlier said that the coalition would regain Putrajaya, which it lost through the Sheraton Move in early 2020.

As a voter, I am rather confused by PH’s electoral narrative this time around, unlike in 2018 when it was clear about wanting to topple BN because of to corruption scandals such as 1MDB. Unless PH gets its messaging right, it will cost the coalition precious votes and even pave the way for the likes of Zahid to reach the apex of Malaysian politics. – November 8, 2022.

* Zulkifli Mohd Salleh reads The Malaysian Insight.

* 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.