Aiming high despite by-election odds

Independents: We have good chance of winning

TANJUNG MALIM: Barisan Nasional might have been tipped as the favourite to retain the Slim state seat in the upcoming by-election, but the two independent candidates believe otherwise.

Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi, backed by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Parti Pejuang Tanahair (Pejuang), and Dr S. Santharasekaran both felt that they stood a good chance of winning.

Amir Khusyairi noted that the trend in the last three general elections showed that the majority of votes between the winner and the losers was getting smaller.

“Based on the reaction I’ve received from the public, their level of acceptance towards me is getting better everyday.

“And from what I can gather, the people in Slim want an assemblyman who can be on the ground to hear their voices. With my experience, I believe I can do that for them,” he told The Star.

A number of political analysts have predicted a win for Barisan’s

Mohd Zaidi Aziz.

Some say Slim is a Barisan stronghold, while others claim Dr Mahathir’s popularity has plummeted.

The by-election will be a threecornered fight between Amir Khusyairi, Santharasekaran and Mohd Zaidi.

The state seat was left vacant after the death of its four-term incumbent Datuk Khusairi Abdul Talib last month.

Amir Khusyairi said the dynamics in a by-election were different from that of a general election.

“The voters tend to focus more on local issues. They also hope to have someone with convincing credibility to represent them,” he said.

Dr Santharasekaran said Barisan was no longer popular after its poor showing in the 14th General Election.

“People are aware of their leadership and how they have veered away from their main objective.

“I might be just an independent candidate, but I believe there is more I can do with my strategy and grace from God,” he said.

He noted that the Malay votes would be split between Amir Khusyairi and Mohd Zaidi.

“A low turnout during polling day will also have an affect. In the last election, about 19,000 people came out to vote. With the movement control order, it could be lower, perhaps only 15,000 votes,” he added.

Mohd Zaidi said he was not taking the by-election lightly.

“We are still doing our best and meeting the people on the ground to hear their voices.

“Since the first day of campaigning, I have met the voters at various places such as the market, shops and restaurants as it is important for me to get their mandate,” he said.

A political observer, who declined to be named, said Muafakat Nasional, comprising Umno and PAS, was simply too strong for the independent candidates.

“Since last year, the combined might of the two Malay-Islam powerhouses has bagged all the by-elections in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

He said in GE14, Khusairi polled 8,327 votes and won Slim with a 2,183-vote majority, while PAS’ Zulfadli Zainal got 4,103 votes and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) Mohd Amran Ibrahim garnered 6,144 votes.

“On paper, Muafakat and Mohd Zaidi are already looking at about 12,000 votes if things go as planned.

“Talk on the ground is also pointing towards a Barisan win as voters have mixed feelings about Dr Mahathir because of his decision to form Pejuang,” he said.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman political science lecturer Teh Boon Teck also believes Barisan has all but won the by-election.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the pact between Umno and PAS can easily come up with a solid and overwhelming figure,” he said.

As for Pejuang, Teh believes they are using this by-election as a testing ground for the new party.

“If the margin of defeat is big, it will pose a serious question as to what they can achieve in the future.

“If the defeat is by a small margin, it will still give them some hope and the party could attract more members from Bersatu.

“If Amir Khusyairi can get at least 4,000 votes, I think it would not be considered a bad result,” Teh said.

He said Malay voters, especially those in non-urban areas, still had some doubts against DAP, which is backing Amir Khusyairi.

“Most are disappointed with the previous Pakatan Harapan Federal government.

“The infighting and vying for the prime minister’s position have also left a bad taste in their mouths.

“Dr Mahathir is not someone who would give up easily, time is not on his side. He’s already 95. I feel that Pejuang will not be able to sustain itself without him,” he added.