YOURSAY | ‘It must avoid three-cornered fights, whether in the snap polls if it happens, or in GE14.’

Nurul Izzah: Opposition risks losing seats in snap polls

Kim Quek: It is a certainty that Pakatan Harapan would lose a substantial number of seats, given that PAS will stage three-cornered fights if a snap Penang election is held at this stage.

The recent two by-elections have proven that without compensating for the loss of PAS’ loyal voters, and without gaining substantial non-PAS Malay supporters, Pakatan will face a considerable setback in the coming general election.

To win the war, Pakatan has to pursue a three-pronged strategy simultaneously.

First, seek a working relationship with PAS, which is going through internal turmoil with the pragmatists yearning for an alliance with Pakatan to avert a total wipe-out in the west coast states. A snap Penang election at this time will jeopardise such a move.

Second, work out an alliance with the Mahathir/Muhyiddin’s proposed new party, with fundamental agreement on basic reforms and power-sharing.

Third, capitalise to the fullest the current US crackdown on the rampant corruption and money-laundering of 1MDB, with top priority being given to enlightening the Malay heartland which is the rock foundation of Umno’s electoral support.

The second and third strategies will give impetus to the realisation of the first strategy. The worst that can happen to Pakatan now is to continue to squabble over the snap polls in Penang, which will weaken its bargaining position with respect to the first and second strategy, infuriate its supporters, and give rise to the possibility of final dismantling of the Pakatan alliance.

Janice Tan: I agree with Kim Quek. The opposition must really avoid three-cornered fights, whether in this coming snap election if it happens, or in GE14.

What I see is, not all PAS leaders and members are with president Abdul Hadi Awang, there are still a lot of PAS members who really want Umno to fall in GE14.

They might not care what happens at the top level, but surely they won't vote for Umno. This is PAS' reality on the ground. It's just like DAP, not all DAP leaders and members are with secretary-general Lim Guan Eng on snap polls.

Quite a lot of them disagree too, but they can't speak against Lim because he is very much in control.

It's time for members of each party to stand up and tell the leaders what they want, and what the rakyat want: stop squabbling and focus on fighting the corrupt regime.

Nike: I am not for the proposed Penang snap polls. However, it is tragic that PKR's decision is one dictated by fear. PKR is being terrorised by PAS. What happens when it is time for the big one - the general election?

Make up your mind and stop pursuing PAS when it so openly treats you with contempt, while you treat Amanah with the disrespect it clearly does not deserve.

Ah Hoe: PKR must realise whether it is the GE14 or a snap election in Penang, PAS will be Pakatan's enemy.

PKR should not be so ‘kiasu’ (afraid to lose) and instead be courageous and honourable and give PAS the exit in the Selangor government.

Dingy: Hadi is bent on destroying the opposition front as he has allegedly already colluded with PM Najib Razak, who had agreed to support his Hudud Bill in Parliament.

Hadi's only objective is to make Malaysia an Islamic state and the only way he can achieve this is to join forces with Umno to form a unity government.

Frankly PKR, you will continue to be in a state of inertia if this is the stance. Hence, instead of looking at all of the reasons for not having the state election, consider all of the reasons for having it. I believe the latter would outweigh the former.

And PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, you and your friends in Pakatan Harapan plus that one new party to be formed by dear Mahathir are on the right side - and Allah is on that side.

Just Sharing: PKR, please make up your mind. Either say 'yes' or 'no'. Don't try to play it safe by saying "not convinced" and "open to further discussion". We need firm leaders, not weak ones as is being portrayed by PKR now.

And now it looks like PKR is actually scared of losing seats, and it's got nothing to do with being unconvinced.

Anonyxyz: Unlike de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's vision, bravery and game changer mentality, the current leadership is only worried about losing their seats now and more interested in holding on for at least a year to enjoy their perks.

The Sarawak and recent by-elections have proven with the marvellous roping in of PAS by Umno, that Harapan will be in for a disastrous outing and will return the two-thirds majority back to BN in GE14.

Penang snap elections, where DAP may also lose seats, is a game changer certainly not for Lim. How can that be with the verdict almost certain?

However, it will expose the sincerity of Mahathir's camp, whether they will campaign for Harapan to help send a message to Umno to remove Najib.

It will also help Amanah to present itself as the effective replacement of PAS. It will test whether a coalition with Mahathir's support can clean the country of kleptocracy.

Not Convinced: Yes, PKR fears losing seats should a snap election be called in Penang. That said, DAP too wants a state election now because it fears it may do much worse in GE14.

There is no doubt that it wants to capitalise on CM Lim Guan Eng being persecuted now as the anger may dissipate by next year.

Like it or not, Amanah is not ready to fight elections now. It will need more time to establish its base. And it would be futile using the snap polls to test the support of Mahathir’s coalition.

How can they when they haven’t even set up their new party, let alone a coalition?

Yellowhero: I say no to Penang snap elections now. This is going to be a major distraction for DAP, PKR and Amanah with PAS, with mud-slinging from both sides.

The winner will be Umno watching from the sidelines, and happy that the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) civil suit will be put on the back burner.

So, no. Consolidate and maximise the DOJ’s court filings and put pressure on Najib.

Anonymous #70881335: Simple logic indeed. If the opposition fails to unite to represent the common aspirations of the rakyat, then they have failed the people.

Egos and personal interests must give way to common aims. Period.

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