BN must prioritise local issues, not national affairs, say analysts
SHAH ALAM: Barisan Nasional needs to change its approach to election campaigning by focusing on local issues, instead of prioritising on national affairs.
Universiti Putra Malaysia political analyst Dr Syed Agil Syed Alsagoff said the strategy would be more effective for BN during by-elections, such as the one for the Sungai Kandis state seat on Aug 4.
“This is a better way to attract voters.
“(But) this is not being prioritised in BN’s campaign this time.
“I feel that in byelections, local issues are closer to the hearts of voters compared with national issues.”
Although Sungai Kandis is near the Shah Alam city centre, he said, part of the settlement was in rural surroundings.
“This is why local issues should be BN’s priority.
“BN must identify local problems that they can champion, rather than national affairs that (do not click with) voter sentiments there.”
Universiti Teknologi Mara Communications and Media Studies Faculty senior lecturer Associate Professor Dr Ismail Sualman said local issues must be the focus in the Sungai Kandis by-election.
Although the constituency is partly urbanised and suburbanised, its community want basic issues of development addressed by its representative. This is at odds with BN’s approach in Sungai Kandis, as its candidate, Datuk Lokman Nor Adam, had said he wanted to bring national issues, such as the standing of Islamic institutions, the king and Malays, into the spotlight.
His strategy is different from that of PKR candidate Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni, who focuses on local issues, such as developing road infrastructure, the drainage systems, human capital and women’s empowerment.
BN supporter Ramli Ahmad, 66, said BN should try to win voters’ hearts and not take lightly local issues addressed by PKR.
He said local issues, such as waste management and clogged drains, should not be brushed aside by Lokman, who had reportedly done so.
“With a campaign that is wellliked, it is not impossible for BN to wrest the seat.”
The by-election was called following the death of assemblyman, Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei, from lymphoma on July 2.