BARISAN Nasional (BN) stands a strong chance of retaining the Pelangai state seat in Pahang on Saturday despite the Perikatan Nasional onslaught on the Malay majority seat, an independent survey showed. 

The survey conducted by political experts and data analysts found that BN has a 55% chance of keeping its stronghold seat while PN’s chances of winning stood at 43.2%.

The field survey was conducted from September 29 to October 2 and had 1,772 respondents. It has a 2.2% margin error. 

Pelangai has 16,456 registered voters, of which about 73% are Malay. About 49% of them are Felda settlers.

According to the survey, PN has not succeeded in making significant inroads in the constituency with its narrative of change.

At the same time, the findings showed increased support for PN. 

Respondents said they were content with the federal and state governments’ performance as well as that of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“Although it was difficult at first to gain the trust of the Felda settlers, now it seems that the settlers are feeling friendly toward the prime minister,” the findings showed. 

The leadership of Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail was another positive factor for BN.

The study found more Chinese and Indian confidence in a BN candidate because of the coalition’s link-up with Pakatan Harapan, with the two groups rejecting the ultra Malay-Muslim ideologies of PAS, a component of PN. 

Finally, the survey showed that the good performance of the late Pelangai assemblyman Johari Harun also would have an impact on the election.

Amizar Abu Adam is the BN candidate for Pelangai. He is up against PN’s Kasim Samat. – October 5, 2023.