More BN leaders expect BN victory
KOTA KINABALU: Assistant Industrial Development Minister Datuk Bolkiah Ismail agreed with three political analysts that Barisan Nasional (BN) would again secure a two-thirds majority in the forthcoming general election.
Bolkiah, who also Pitas assemblyman, said the BN government had a proven track record developing the country in a holistic way.
“We see physical and education development under the BN government and the Malaysian economy is on right footing. Ringgit is strengthening below USD4.0, GDP 5 to 6% growth, FDI on positive growth and many more positive indicators.
“Are we going to risk all these for a disunited opposition? Just look at all the opposition parties. They are in a disarray. At least six of them will fight BN separately.
“Overall politically, BN especially Umno, is gaining popularity after PAS withdrew from Pakatan Harapan. There is tendency that Umno will cooperate with PAS in many ways, especially in the 14th general election,” he said.
Bolkiah, who is also Kudat Umno Division chief, added that BN plays a pivotal role in enhancing unity and nation building.
Local political analyst, Assoc Prof Dr Jeniri Amir said BN will win the election and Sabah remain the stronghold of the coalition.
Jeniri said with PAS not on the same page with Pakatan Harapan, it would be difficult for the opposition to win. Meanwhile, the recent delineation exercise would always favour the government of the day.
He also said he could foresee many three-cornered contests, which might be a factor against the opposition because of split votes.
Chief researcher of electoral survey conducted by Universiti Malaya (UM), Assoc Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the survey indicated a BN victory in the general election which must be called latest by August 2018.
According to the survey, Najib is the preferred leader to be prime minister.
UM carried out the electoral survey at 12 parliamentary constituencies between July and December last year.
In Sarawak, political observer Datuk Peter Minos said despite the high cost of living affecting the people, their happiness with the new Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in fighting poverty by introducing several economic initiatives would make Sarawak the ‘fixed deposit’ of BN again.
Sabah Puteri Umno chief Normala Rasic said all predictions made by the analysts would make her work even harder to prove that BN deliver the promises it made to the people.
“Puteri Umno Sabah is ready for the election and I could feel that we will win again.
“The spirit among young women in Sabah has been burning since the past few months for the election. We are ready not only in the leadership level but also grassroots.
“We will never question who is going to be the candidates because we trust our leaders. Puteri wing will give their full support to all BN component parties.
“We also believe Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman have done a lot for the past years, fulfilling the government promises and putting the economy on the right track,” she said.
As a Puteri Umno chief in Kudat division, Normala who is from Pitas, also said that she is working closely with Pitas assemblyman Bolkiah and Kudat member of parliament Datuk Rahim Bakri to implement all the activities planned for Kudat Umno.