Akmal’s role reduced in Mahkota as Umno eyes crucial Chinese votes

September 17, 2024

Akmal’s role reduced in Mahkota as Umno eyes crucial Chinese votes

KLUANG: Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has been given a reduced role in the Mahkota by-election as the party plans to ensure it captures a big chunk of the Chinese votes in the state seat.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an Umno leader said Akmal would have a limited role in the by-election despite the party’s candidate, Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, coming from the youth wing.

The leader said this was because the Barisan Nasional lynchpin acknowledged the importance of ensuring that all Mahkota voters felt represented and respected, in order to gain their support.

“The Chinese voters will play a crucial role in this by-election, and we are working hard to ensure a strong turnout from them, as their support is essential for us to succeed.

“We understand that certain comments made by Akmal in the past may have upset the Chinese community. Hence, we are taking steps to ensure that our message is inclusive and unifying,” he told FMT.

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Akmal has been outspoken over a range of issues since the formation of the unity government, from the proposal to make Emergency-era New Villages a Unesco world heritage site and KK Mart’s sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” to vernacular schools.

His most recent outburst was over the mandatory halal certification issue, in which he slammed DAP MP Teresa Kok for opposing the proposal.

Akmal had called Kok a “nyonya tua” and warned her against speaking on matters concerning Islam. Pundits warned Umno that Akmal’s tirade could cost the party in Mahkota, where Chinese voters make up about 35% of the electorate.

The Umno source nevertheless expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure a high voter turnout among the Chinese on polling day.

This is despite past trends of a lower turnout among Chinese voters in by-elections and state elections. This was particularly evident in the Sungai Bakap by-election, where a low non-Malay voter turnout contributed to Pakatan Harapan’s loss to Perikatan Nasional by 4,267 votes.

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The Umno leader said the party was aiming for at least a 65% overall voter turnout in Mahkota.

He rejected the notion that the by-election would be a walk in the park based on the number of votes both BN and PH obtained in Mahkota during the 2022 state election, when they vied against each other.

He said it was important that the election machinery engaged all communities to secure a favourable result.

“While some may view this election as straightforward, we are focused on reaching out to every voter, especially in the Chinese community, to make sure their voices are heard,” he said.

The Mahkota by-election will be held on Sept 28, with early voting set for Sept 24.

The seat is a mixed constituency, with Malays comprising 54% of the voters, Chinese 35% and Indians 8%.

The by-election will see a straight fight between BN’s Syed Hussien, who speaks fluent Chinese, and PN’s Haizan Jaafar.