Analysts: 'Uncle Kentang' won't split votes in Semenyih

SEMENYIH POLLS | The popularity of social activist Kuan Chee Heng on social media will not split votes in the Semenyih by-election, say analysts.

According to political scientist Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani of Universiti Utara Malaysia, independent candidates are rarely favourites – unless they are persons of note who can convince voters that they will bring about change.

"I think there will be no big impact, very little. Maybe no impact at all. Independent candidates do not have a place in Malaysian politics. 

"If we look at history, victorious independent candidates were those who were already well-known and had previously served the constituency. Meaning that they are famous figures.

"Not all social media users are voters. And most importantly, do the voters in Semenyih see him (Kuan) as an important figure who can bring change and contribute to the people there? I don't see that happening," he told Malaysiakini today.

Azizuddin was commenting on media reports that Kuan – popularly known as 'Uncle Kentang' among those familiar with his charitable efforts – will be contesting in the March 2 polls for the Selangor state seat.

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The activist is known in several parts of the Klang Valley for providing '10-sen ambulance' and '10-sen taxi' services, as well as a free hearse service to those in need.

Kuan has promised that if he wins, he would not take a single sen from his assemblyperson's salary, but would instead use the money to help the people of Semenyih.

'Inclined to political parties'

Political analyst B Anbumani echoed the sentiment when contacted by Malaysiakini, saying that Malaysians at present are more inclined to vote for candidates from the two main coalitions, Pakatan Harapan and BN.

"(Only) when the people have reached a certain level of awareness, will they evaluate candidates based on their ability to provide better service. Then it will be a different story.

"Today, it still looks like voters are inclined towards political parties."

Anbumani added that coalition support plays an important role in determining a candidate's chances of winning, due to voters' desiring continuity.

He pointed to Parti Sosialis Malaysia's S Arutchelvan, who has contested the Semenyih seat unsuccessfully since 2008.

Despite Arutchelvan being an influential and popular figure, Anbumani noted, he only managed to garner 1,293 votes in the general election last year.

"This happened because he was not a part of a (political) coalition.

"We saw the same trend in the Cameron Highlands by-election, where popular independent candidates did not receive many votes.

"The people want to see long-term assistance, not only on an ad hoc basis," he said.

The two independent candidates in the Cameron Highlands polls, Wong Seng Yee and Sallehudin Ab Talib, only polled 276 and 314 votes respectively.

BN candidate Ramli Mohd Nor won the contest with 12,038 votes, beating out Harapan's M Manogaran, who garnered 8,800 votes.

Malay support

When asked if Kuan would be able to obtain Malay support, considering that he often helps people regardless of ethnicity, Anbumani said he would not discount the possibility.

"Of course he will get votes from those who appreciate his sincere charity works, regardless of race. We see his sincerity in helping the rakyat.

"But, would his emergence as an independent candidate be able to make him a third force, posing a great challenge to Harapan, BN and other parties? That is the question.

"In Malaysia's political scenario, it is rare that independent candidates are able to shake up the scene, unless the candidate is extraordinary."