PN hopes to send strong signal to Putrajaya

MUAR: A win for Perikatan Nasional in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election in Selangor will send a strong signal to the unity government, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The PN chairman and Bersatu president said although the outcome of the May 11 by-election will not result in a shift of power either at the state or federal level, victory by the opposition will demonstrate the people’s unhappiness with the federal administration.

Based on the country’s political landscape and coupled with the hard work by the PN election machinery, Muhyiddin said he was upbeat about wresting the seat from DAP.

“This by-election is a litmus test (of the mood of the people), not only in Kuala Kubu Baharu and Selangor, but also at the national level.

“It means that if here the people are unhappy, which results in the defeat of the DAP candidate, this signifies a strong signal that will reach Putrajaya.

“Although a win (for PN in the by-election) will not change the situation (of the existing government), it will send an important signal (to the federal administration),” he said after attending the Pagoh parliamentary constituency Hari Raya celebration.

Although the Malays were the majority voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu, Muhyiddin said only 67 per cent of them voted during the Selangor state election in August last year.

He added that on the contrary, voter turnout among the Chinese in the constituency was 100 per cent, which helped PH win Kuala Kubu Baharu in the state election.

“If we look at the results of the state election last year, PH won by a majority of 4,119 votes and we see it is quite stagnant.

“It means that the voting trend is stable for almost three consecutive elections, with no increase.

“If previously only 67 per cent of Malay voters turned out to vote, if it increases to 80 or 90 per cent... that would be good (for PN).

“I hope voters turn out in large numbers.

“To all Malay voters who previously did not vote, I hope they realise that this is not about racial issues but more about the voting tendency at the state constituency,” he said.