PERSONALITY OUTWEIGHS MANIFESTO

A candidate’s personality, party will have more effect on voters than the absence of a manifesto

R. PUBALAN, 38, has made plans to vote in the Semenyih by-election. The gruff-looking barber from Taman Semenyih Indah said he would close his shop on polling day to cast his vote.

When asked, Pubalan said he had yet to decide which candidate he would vote for, especially between contenders from Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.

“I am a little unclear about what each candidate is offering. I know that BN and PH do not have manifestos.

“It would be good if they can offer us anything. But then again, if they can’t make promises now, at least I will vote for the one who can fulfil them later.”

Pubalan was among those met by the New Straits Times who wanted to know what was in store for them from the main candidates.

While they understand the burden that comes with manifestos, some might not be aware of the political strategies of the two parties in this by-election.

PH, for instance, preferred to stay away from making promises that could be construed as a form of abuse of government assets.

BN, on the other hand, knows that it is an election that will not change the state or federal political status quo. It can only promise to be an effective opposition, apart from using the contest to prove its sway over Malay voters.

Political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said PH and BN were wary of making promises that could end up as setbacks, especially during the campaign period.

Sivamurugan cited an example, in which PH candidate Muhammad Aiman Zainali’s promise to look into the plight of locals for a new hospital was immediately shot down by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

“Both parties are cautious about being caught with promises that they can’t deliver. For example, the proposal for a new hospital backfired.”

The challenge is for both parties to preserve their traditional support.

“They are working hard to retain supporters and avoid protest votes from within, which could also affect voter turnout.”

Some experts said the lack of manifestos could mitigate the plunge in popularity, especially for PH.

Political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Jeniri Amir said despite being only a race for a state seat, the cabinet’s performance could influence voting patterns.

Jeniri was brusque when commenting on PH’s performance.

“PH cannot make promises because its old manifesto is not fulfilled.

“So it does not want more problems piling up. If the manifesto for Semenyih is not fulfilled, at the same time, when the 14th General Election (GE14) manifesto remains unaccomplished, there will be problems.

“People will vote based on the cabinet’s performance and abilities to boost the economy. Bread and butter issues are important.

“For instance, the government said the Sales and Services Tax can reduce the prices of goods. But now? These are things that can influence voting trends.”

Nevertheless, what trumps promises, manifestos or pledges are the candidates’ personality and approach.

Analyst Dr Sharifah Syahirah Syed Sheikh said based on surveys during the GE14 and earlier by-elections, the lack of manifestos would not have an adverse effect on voting patterns.

“BN and PH are focusing more on strategies to win the Semenyih election rather than manifestos.

“Both are reluctant to produce any clear manifesto, but such a situation will not affect them.

“Based on surveys conducted during GE14 and earlier byelections, voters are more inclined to vote based on a candidate’s personality and party.”

They are working hard to retain supporters and avoid protest votes from within, which could also affect voter turnout.

PROF DR SIVAMURUGAN PANDIAN

Political analyst