PKR vice president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad believes the party could one day be victorious in the east coast states, removing PAS’ hold over them. 

Although that is not an easy task, he urged party members to be more forward-thinking, adding that it was possible if enough effort was made.

“We are definitely disappointed with the recent state elections results in Kelantan and Terengganu,” the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said. 

“I urge us to think long-term. 

“Yes. We have not won there but I hope there are no party members from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya or anywhere looking down at the people there. 

“That was how we looked at Selangor, Sabah, and Sarawak once and I assure you that we can win Kelantan and Terengganu one day if we put all our efforts (into it) and remain confident,” he added. 

Nik Nazmi admitted that it would not be easy to unseat Islamist party PAS in these states. 

“But we can make a breakthrough if we have the commitment and the confidence,” he said. 

The six state elections held in August ended in the status quo when Perikatan Nasional (PN), the coalition that leads PAS, Bersatu, and Gerakan, retained Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan. 

In Terengganu, it was a clean sweep for PAS, showing its complete dominance.

Pakatan Harapan, working with Barisan Nasional for the first time, retained Selangor, Penang, and Negri Sembilan. 

The unity coalition managed to obtain a two-thirds majority in Negri Sembilan but lost it in Selangor for the first time in 15 years, with PN making inroads there. – November 26, 2023.