Nur Jazlan expects protest votes from Malays in Pulai by-election
Nur Jazlan expects protest votes from Malays in Pulai by-election
PETALING JAYA: Pulai Umno chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed expects protest votes from Malays at next month’s Pulai parliamentary by-election.
Speaking to FMT, the Umno Supreme Council member said this could be due to the current economic conditions and dissatisfaction over the party’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan.
However, Nur Jazlan said the shift in support to Perikatan Nasional would not be as significant as that seen at the recent Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu state elections.
“In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, there was a genuine voting shift towards PAS so that it could form the state governments,” Nur Jazlan told FMT.
“But in Johor, it will be a protest against various issues.
“I don’t see a ‘(green) wave,’ but I see protest (votes) similar to those in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan – although it may not be enough to secure the Pulai seat.”
PN won 33 of the 36 state seats in Kedah, 43 of the 45 state seats in Kelantan, and all 32 state seats in Terengganu in the Aug 12 state polls.
Non-Malay voters key to victory
Nur Jazlan said the expected protest votes from Malays – who make up 44% of the 166,653 registered voters in the Pulai parliamentary constituency – could be balanced out with the support of the Chinese and Indians, who make up 41% and 12% of the electorate respectively.
“Non-Malay voters make up the majority in Pulai, so they need to turn up (to vote) to balance the dissatisfaction among Malay voters,” he said.
Earlier today, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said he expected a commanding win in the Sept 9 Pulai parliamentary by-election if there was a strong turnout from Malay voters.
The coalition named businessman Zulkifli Jaafar of Bersatu as its candidate. Pakatan Harapan will be represented by former Johor state assembly speaker Suhaizan Kaiat.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Salahuddin Ayub, who died in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar on July 23 after undergoing surgery for a brain haemorrhage. The Amanah deputy president was also the domestic trade and cost of living minister.
The by-election, and that for the Simpang Jeram state seat, will be held on Sept 9. Salahuddin was also the Simpang Jeram assemblyman.
Nur Jazlan expects protest votes from Malays in Pulai by-election
