COMMENT | As voters from some states return to the voting booth, while economic and bread and butter issues are in the minds of many voters, what may ultimately decide their choice are their concerns on race and religion.

These concerns will decide which of the two contending coalitions - Perikatan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan/BN - will emerge the winner in what some analysts see as an important run up and marker leading to the outcome of the next general election.

For non-Malay voters, the choice appears self evident. The Bersatu and PAS-dominated coalition is one with Malay and Islamic domination objectives at the forefront.

Their concerns and priorities - though not explicitly spelt out in their manifesto - is one which the two parties do not try to hide.

In fact, both Berstau and PAS leaders regularly flout and tout their Malay and Muslim credentials - and associated anti non-Malay and non-Muslim antagonisms - loudly come election time...