The Malaysian Insight

PAKATAN Harapan is confident it can capture a sizeable number of Barisan Nasional’s 31 slim-majority seats in GE14.

PH strategists say they will employ big data analyses and targeted messaging when they face BN in the polls.

Amanah strategist Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said PH aims to broaden its messaging channels to include pro-government voters.

“We have to explain to these voters that they only have two choices – allow Umno-BN to continue their rule or vote for PH to end Prime Minister Najib Razak’s poor administration,” Dzulkefly told The Malaysian Insight today.

“Voting a third party will just hand Najib, Umno and BN victory. We have to emphasise this message in the face of possible three-cornered fights.”

The former Kuala Selangor MP said PH needs to focus its message towards Malay voters and reassure them that their future is secure even if BN loses in GE14.

“Malay-Muslim voters need to be reassured that their political and economic positions are secure and can be better once a corrupt Malay leadership is ended,” Dzulkefly said.

The Malaysian Insight reported today that BN strategists are analysing and planning their election strategies for 31 marginal parliamentary seats.  

The seats in danger zones include Bagan Datoh, Padang Rengas, Teluk Intan, Jerai, Kuala Selangor, Titiwangsa, Bentong, Labis, Pasir Gudang and Pulai which were won by BN’s senior leaders.

There are another 60 high-risk state assembly seats. 

Three-cornered simulations 

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Dr Rais Hussin said his party has already begun doing three-cornered simulations in 27 parliamentary seats.

“The most important factor is for PH to show that it’s a credible alternative and can offer policies that are in line with what voters want. This has to be communicated in simple language,” said the Bersatu bureau of strategy and policy chief.

“If we use the right tactical approach and specific strategies on BN’s marginal seats, nothing is impossible,” said Rais.

Rais said the main concern of Malaysians today is the weak economy. 

“We are currently doing three more ‘What Malaysians Want’ surveys to see how we can be more focused in our campaign later,” he added. 

More high-risk seats for BN 

According to PKR strategy director Sim Tze Tzin, BN may have more high-risk seats following the current weak economy, high cost of living, GST and Najib’s leadership.

Although BN won during GE13, seats such as Segamat, Bagan Serai, Kulim Bandar Baru and Johor Bahru are no longer safe for the coalition anymore.

The Bayan Baru MP said 81 parliamentary seats were won with less thanr 10% majority in GE13.

“During GE13, BN took 51 seats while the opposition took 30 marginal seats. These seats could decide the winner in GE14,’’ said Sim.

“I’m confident that PH can attract voters with its manifesto and good track record in the states we’ve governed,” he added.

Sim said PH needs to focus on employing technology and big data analyses if it wants to win in GE14.

“History has shown that the one who can control technology will have an advantage.

“During GE12, emails were employed while GE13 saw the use of Facebook and social media during campaigns.”

DAP director of election strategy Dr Ong Kian Ming agreed with his PKR counterpart on the use of big data analyses.

“Big data is one of the new political tools that will play an important role in GE14.

“PH will use big data to understand voters better to ensure the right message reaches them.”

However, the Serdang MP said the danger PAS poses as a disruptor cannot be denied.

“PH’s challenge is to give a clear message to the voters that a vote for anything other than PH is a vote for BN and hence status quo,” said Ong. – May 21, 2017