PH nominating a Chinese candidate is strategic move, say analysts

KKB by-election:

May 1, 2024

PH nominating a Chinese candidate is strategic move, say analysts

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP’s decision to nominate a Chinese candidate for the May 11 Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election may be strategic in maintaining grassroots support for the party, say analysts.

Professor James Chin from the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute said selecting DAP’s Pang Sock Tao as the candidate could help secure the traditional DAP stronghold and succeed the incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong.

However, he cautioned that Pang may encounter difficulties in appealing to Malay and Indian voters, especially if Perikatan Nasional nominates a Malay candidate.

“Pang is likely to maintain strong support from the Chinese community in Kuala Kubu Baharu. However, the key challenge lies in retaining the same level of support from Indian and Malay voters as the previous assemblywoman.

“It’s crucial for Pang to maintain the same ratio of voters from different ethnic groups to secure victory. Any significant shift in support from Malay or Indian voters could pose a challenge.

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“The outcome also will depend on the identity of the PN candidate and the number of independent candidates,” he told the New Straits Times.

Chin said the decision to nominate the press secretary to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming as the candidate may also reflect a desire to field a female candidate and maintain continuity within the party.

“DAP’s decision to select a female candidate is unsurprising given that Kuala Kubu Baharu has traditionally been their stronghold.

“They’ve made the right move by choosing a young woman who has demonstrated loyalty to the party,” he said.

Political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul said Pang’s nomination should be seen as a positive move by Pakatan Harapan (PH) because she is expected to win with her political experience and capability.

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“Fielding Pang gives DAP an advantage as they continue to nominate a young and female candidate. She also has extensive political experience and has previously served under two ministers.

“Pang, who was actively involved in DAP’s social media, is expected to garner large support from Chinese voters,” he told NST.

He said Kuala Kubu Baharu can remain under DAP’s control even though PN will likely nominate a Malay candidate to appeal to Malay voters.

“I believe PN will nominate a Malay candidate, but with the support of Umno and Barisan Nasional machinery, DAP is still seen as able to retain the seat, which they previously won three consecutive times.”

Yesterday, Pakatan Harapan (PH) announced they would field DAP’s Pang Sock Tao for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election scheduled on May 11.

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DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had said the decision to field Pang was finalised after considering all qualifications possessed by Pang and the other candidates who were considered.

The Election Commission (EC) has fixed May 11 for the by-election. Nomination is set for April 27, with early voting on May 7.

In the Selangor state election last year, Lee helped DAP to retain KKB after she polled a majority of 4,119 votes in a four-cornered fight.