‘Opposition parachute candidates have no interest in serving the public’
AT least 15 top opposition figures are shifting to safe, faraway seats. Analysts say their only desire is to win at all costs, even at the expense of voters.
THE act of shifting to now seats in a general election is not something unusual among the opposition’s top leaders. Whether they want safe seats to remain in Parliament or it is part of a strategy to win big, the act of shifting seats sacrifices the grassroots leaders.
The 14th General Election has seen many opposition leaders shifting to new constituencies.
PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has moved from the Permatang Pauh (Penang) parliamentary seat to contest in Pandan (Selangor), which is represented by its vicepresident, Rafizi Ramli, who can’t contest due to his recent conviction.
PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar has left Lembah Pantai (Federal Territory) after two terms to contest in Permatang Pauh (Penang).
Former Pas leader Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar, now with PKR, has left Tumpat (Kelantan) and is set to contest in Bandar Tun Razak (Federal Territory).
Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu has left Pendang (Kedah) to try his luck in Kota Raja (Selangor). Kota Raja incumbent Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud, was moved to the Seri Serdang state seat.
Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming has left Taiping to contest in Teluk Intan against Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.
In Johor, state DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong has moved from Kluang to contest against MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in Ayer Hitam.
Universiti Teknologi Mara political analyst Associate Professor Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman has labelled those who shift seats as “touch-and-go” leaders.
“They are not interested in becoming elected representatives of their constituencies. They think that they are great, and shifting seats is not a big deal for them as they are confident of winning wherever they go. They have no desire to serve the people.”
Universiti Utara Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said DAP was training its guns on MCA and Gerakan.
“They dare to place their main leaders in seats contested by MCA and Gerakan.”
He said the strategy was not new as DAP had shown it in the past two general elections, mainly because they felt Chinese voters were hostile against MCA and Gerakan.
For Amanah and PKR, the shift of seats was due to previous election results, as well as voter sentiments, which favoured them.
“Permatang Pauh, which will be contested by Nurul Izzah, is seen as a safe seat for her.”
“As for Dr Wan Azizah, the seat is also deemed safe for the opposition,” he said.