The Malaysian Insight

PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) is the alternative for unhappy Umno and DAP supporters on the west coast in the state polls, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said.

He said some Umno and DAP voter do not like the idea of the two parties working together inthe unity government.

“Data we have show there could be a swing,” Tuan Ibrahim told The Malaysian Insight.

Tuan Ibrahim said the Umno-DAP link-up was forbidden in the Umno general assembly.

“Not all Umno supporters agree with the party joining (a government) that works with DAP and PKR. A mandate was made against it in the Umno general assembly, which has now been violated,” he said.

“Some Umno, and even DAP (supporters) are disappointed with what has happened.

“DAP used to attack Umno over corruption, bribery, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and so on, but suddenly they are now friends,” he said.

The Kubang Kerian MP said research in the six states due to call elections indicate there is a group of Umno and DAP voters who do not approve of the unity government.

He said that these voters would be reassessing their support for their parties at the polls.

Tuan Ibrahim said these disgruntled voters, especially in Selangor, would not hesitate to vote for PAS because they had voted for the Islamist party when it was in Pakatan Rakyat.

“People in Selangor have voted for PAS before because the party was with then Pakatan Rakyat state government.

“These voters are not extreme; they weigh the achievements and performance of the candidates. These are important factors for them.

“As for young voters, they are much different from the older voters, who are sentimentally attached to their political party.

“Young people are not like that. All they want is a country that is free of corruption and of high integrity. These factors appeal them,” he said.

Tuan Ibrahim said PAS’ success in Kelantan, Terengganu and their short stint in the government could also appeal to the voters. – March 14, 2023.