POLITICAL observers are not expecting the unprecedented combination of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to mount a major challenge against the PAS government in Terengganu.  

Going by the last general election, where PAS swept all eight parliamentary seats with comfortable majorities, the Islamist party will win a second term in the state polls.  

In the 2018 general election, PAS regained control of Terengganu from BN after winning 22 of the 32 state seats. 

Terengganu is among the six states that will go to the ballot on Saturday. The others are Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan. 

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia academic Mazlan Ali said there is an even chance to win for either PN or PH-BN. He cited unhappiness among locals as a possible reason for a PH-BN victory. 

“The people demanded changes and development from PAS but that did not happen. Terengganu was more developed when BN was in power. 

“So, locals want changes. However, outside voters working in other states would be the kingmakers. If they too want change, then I think PH-BN will either win a number of seats or change the administration. 

“As for now, PN has the advantage. But if the percentage of people returning home to vote is high, the chances of having a new government are also high. My reading is PAS will retain Terengganu, but PH-BN will win a few seats,” Mazlan said. 

He said in order for PH-BN to take over the state from PAS, more work must be done but with only a few days left, it could be impossible. 

“The demand for change is there but Anwar Ibrahim (prime minister and PH chairman) is more focused in Selangor. He and the others need to go up more often if they want Terengganu. 

“The effort is there but more work is needed. PAS hasn’t done anything significant for Terengganu and the opposition must take this opportunity,” he said. 

Ilham Centre executive director Hisommudin Bakar, on the other hand, said PAS appeared relaxed in the state. 

He said the atmosphere in Terengganu wasn’t as charged as in other states like Selangor. 

“People do their work as usual, there are only flags, but the feeling is not there. It is plain and sombre. The campaign is also plain and nothing exciting is happening. 

“To say that PH-BN can win seats, we have yet to get more details.” 

He added that BN candidates in Terengganu were still looking for a winning formula while PH was merely supporting its ally.

“BN is still doing some soul-searching. The candidates are not that active or able to cause any major shake-up. 

“As the leader, BN is slow and PH is just following it.” 

He said PH-BN needs Anwar’s touch to increase momentum in the state. 

Anwar, who is also Tambun MP, is scheduled to campaign in Terengganu today. – August 10, 2023.