Analysts: Shahidan in Selangor won’t dent Harapan’s chances

Arau MP Shahidan Kassim’s presence in Selangor will have no effect in swaying the local electorate towards Perikatan Nasional.

Elaborating, political analysts said voters in Selangor have different sentiments compared to those under the PN administration.

Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi and Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said the cooperation between Harapan and BN would boost voters’ support in the state.

“PN still depends a lot on PAS’ machinery in Selangor, especially in Malay majority areas.

“But PAS is not really a threat in Selangor, especially with Harapan and BN working together," said Awang Azman.

As for Azizuddin, he expects PN to play up sensitive issues during campaigning but added it would have little effect in securing Selangor voters’ support.

"PN is trying to bring in ‘parachute candidates’ to strengthen the coalition in Selangor. They also played a lot of sensitive issues to attract voters.

"However, Selangor voters are more rational and have enjoyed the benefits of Harapan-led state government.

“With a unity government at the centre, I think Harapan-BN's chances of winning in Selangor are better," he said.

On April 27, Utusan Malaysia reported that Shahidan (above) may contest the Semenyih state seat in the upcoming state election.

According to the report, PN is banking on the veteran politician’s “aura” to garner support in Selangor after he helped the coalition win 17 out of 18 state seats in Perlis in the 15th general election.

However, analysts are not convinced of the move, with one suggesting it may invite trouble from the PN grassroots.

Awang Azman said although PN views using former Umno veterans may boost their chances of winning, such a move may undermine grassroots leaders who had served in the area.

"If Noh Omar, Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahidan are to run in Selangor, it will draw the ire of PN grassroots who support their own local leaders to contest in polls.

“And the move will also imply that PN does not have its own candidates and have to resort to ex-Umno leaders,” he added.

Risky for ex-Umno leaders

Awang Azman also shared a grim outlook for former Umno leaders planning to contest under the PN banner; their influence will wane further should they lose.

He cited the example of Azmin Ali and Zuraida Kamaruddin, who were previously influential political leaders in the state.

Both leaders lost in GE15 despite winning big under the PKR ticket in the 2018 general election.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies (Kita) deputy director Kartini Aboo Talib said that Harapan should not take things for granted although Selangor is the coalition's stronghold.

Don’t take things for granted, Harapan

This was because the "green wave" is still strong and there are people who feel Harapan is not creating new policies but merely continuing existing ones.

"As for Shahidan, he is more influential in Indera Kayangan (Perlis).

“There is no need for him to 'fight' in Selangor because the state is Harapan’s stronghold," Kartini said.

The state elections for Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah are expected to take place in June.

Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are under PN - while Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor are administered by Harapan.

"PN received strong support from Malays, especially those living in rural and urban areas that have a Malay demographic population of over 45 percent, looking at the GE15 results.

"As such, PN's strategy will be more focused on urban areas where the Malay population is almost the same percentage as the non-Malays," Kartini added.

They have also taken the Harapan administration’s record in Selangor since it took over the state in 2008 as a contributing factor to their opinion.

This is in relation to Shahidan hinting that he will be involved in helping Perikatan Nasional seal the victory in Selangor’s state election.

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