KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 – Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent statement predicting Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) defeat in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baru by-election has stirred controversy, with analysts suggesting it could be a strategic move to mobilize Malay support for the coalition. In a conversation with Malay Mail, analysts noted that Dr Mahathir’s prediction might be a tactic to galvanize Malay voters by emphasizing the perceived threat of a divided Malay electorate.
They highlighted the significance of racial and party affiliations in Malaysian politics, indicating that Dr Mahathir’s remarks could serve to consolidate Malay support for PN in the by-election. Despite Dr Mahathir’s assertion, analysts emphasized that voting patterns in Kuala Kubu Baru are expected to remain largely along racial lines, with both Malay and Chinese voters likely to vote based on their respective affiliations.
The by-election, scheduled for May 11, will witness a four-cornered fight among PH, PN, PRM, and an independent candidate, reflecting the complex electoral dynamics within the constituency.
