THE Penang elections could see a major shift in Malay voters giving their support to the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. 

PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said the Malays there were confident of the track record achieved by the unity government since taking over the country’s leadership eight months ago.  

He said the Malays would be making the right decision to save Malaysia for all races. 

“There is concern in the Malay-belt areas following the results of the 15th general election in Penang.  At that time, some claimed they cannot trust Anwar as he is with DAP. 

“They alleged he (Anwar) is leaving Islam, which was the previous propaganda. After eight months, the message has now turned to saving Islam and saving the Malays,” he said when speaking at a Penang Madani Unity Tour ceramah tonight. 

The PKR president believed that caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow would receive even better support and the mandate from Malay voters. 

“Penang is a model with good governance, rule of law, caring for the economy and at the same time ensuring that every community has a place in this state,” he said. 

Anwar also believed the people in Penang were always leading trends, not only in the change of state governments but also in the Malay national struggle. 

“Reforms start here; Malay newspapers also began in Penang. After that, the Malay awareness began in Penang, it is the people’s awakening with the victory of Pakatan Rakyat. 

“So, make sure we maintain our strength, our base and our leadership in terms of people’s awareness to bring change to Malaysia,” he said. 

Anwar is also optimistic about the state’s future and promised to help Penang by paying special attention to developments such as the Light Rail Transit project and the expansion of the Penang International Airport. 

The Election Commission has set August 12 for elections in Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Negri Sembilan to be held simultaneously, with early voting on August 8 – Bernama, August 5, 2023.