Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is confident about DAP’s chances of taking seats held by BN in the state in the coming general election.

However, he is still pessimistic about their chances in Kepala Batas.

Answering questions from reporters yesterday, Lim admitted that the influence of former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is still felt in the area.

“We have to be realistic. We know we have a chance elsewhere, but Kepala Batas will be difficult.

“Pak Lah’s (Abdullah) influence is strong,” he said in a Buletin Mutiara video.

The DAP secretary-general was then asked about the possibility of former allies PAS taking Kepala Batas.

Last April, PAS said they were ready for a three-cornered fight in Kepala Batas against BN and Pakatan Harapan because they have stood in the area in the past few elections.

Lim also admitted to being surprised by PAS’ intent, and said it was up to them to be “Mat Jenin” (referring to a popular story about a boy who daydreams).

“If PAS cannot win at their strongest, let alone when they are working with Umno, I don’t see how they can take Kepala Batas."

Lim added that a Harapan event in the area earlier this month, which featured the coalition’s chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was better received than one held by PAS.

“Despite the extraordinary response to Mahathir from the people of Kepala Batas, we still know it will be difficult to fight the influence of Pak Lah,” he said.