Observers predict fierce contests in seven parliamentary seats
KUANTAN: Based on Barisan Nasional’s outstanding record of securing a two-thirds majority in Pahang in the 13th General Election (GE13), many have concluded that the state will continue to be a “fixed deposit” for BN in GE14.
Results from the 2008 and 2013 elections saw Pahang safely remain in BN’s hands, winning 38 of 42 state seats in GE12 and 30 of 42 seats in GE13.
The state has never fallen into the opposition’s hands.
In GE12, BN won 12 parliamentary seats, while the opposition claimed two (Indera Mahkota and Kuantan). In GE13, BN won 10 seats and the opposition took two more (Raub and Temerloh).
That scenario prompted observers and politicians to predict a tough battle for GE14 and shortlist seven parliamentary seats as hot seats, based on the current geopolitical landscape.
MCA Religious Harmony Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said it would be a tough contest in five of the hot seats.
He said the Cameron Highlands, Raub, Temerloh, Indera Mahkota and Kuantan parliamentary constituencies would be the focus due to several factors, including GE13’s results, the latest political situation and national and local issues.
“For example, in Cameron Highlands, the prime minister should select the right and winnable candi- date to defend the seat because the opposition will go the extra mile to secure victory as they realise that BN only won by a slim majority in GE13 (462 votes).
“Internal conflicts in BN parties and local issues, such as those on land and the environment, have to be looked into swiftly. We do not want internal problems to become a disadvantage and see the opposition walking away as the winner.”
He said although BN lost the Raub, Kuantan and Indera Mahkota parliamentary seats in GE13, he was optimistic that they could be recaptured if local issues on drainage, garbage and the environment were addressed, in addition to naming peoplefriendly candidates.
He said BN and Umno would give their best shot to recapture the Temerloh parliamentary seat, which had been “loaned” to Pas for one term.
“I want to remind all BN component parties to be careful with the opposition’s perang saraf (psychological warfare). Continue to work hard, serve the people and try to address each and every issue in the best way, then BN will certainly capture Temerloh.”
Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman said the Bentong and Bera parliamentary seats were also hot seats in Pahang.
He said Chinese voters played a major role in BN’s victory in Bentong, where MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai will be defending his seat.
“It depends on his (Liow) strategy to regain support from Chinese voters and ensure they return to give their backing to BN.
“The same applies to Bera, which requires racial unity, which will be the key to BN’s victory.”
Aziz said he had faith that BN would win Pahang due to the sentiment towards the nation’s second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, who is respected and beloved by people in the state.
State Pas deputy commissioner Andansura Rabu said threecornered fights were the biggest challenge Pahang Pas faced.
He said the party was ready to face three- or four-cornered contests in GE14, but was aware that it would be a tough battle.
He said the party had shortlisted several parliamentary constituencies that could be hot seats, including Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Temerloh and Bera.
“We’ve made preparations to win seven parliamentary seats and 21 state seats in Pahang. Every seat Pas will contest will be challenging or a hot seat.
“Judging by the current political scenario, there could be fewer straight fights and more threeor four-cornered fights.”
In GE13, Pas won the Tanjung Lumpur, Beserah and Kuala Semantan state seats and the Temerloh parliamentary seat.