By the Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, June 16 — As the six State Legislative Assemblies approach their respective end-of-term dates this month, the stage is set for a highly competitive political landscape. One of the most significant battles will take place in Selangor, the nation's wealthiest state, where every political party is vying for control.
Interestingly, the battleground for capturing state control lies in northern Selangor, a predominantly Malay region. This makes it a crucial area for political parties as they seek to gain the support and votes of the Malay population to secure victory in the state election.
The outcome of the contest in northern Selangor could have a significant impact on the overall results and determine the state’s political landscape.
Recently, several senior Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders visited northern Selangor, which encompasses Sabak Bernam, Tanjung Karang, Sungai Besar and Kuala Selangor. They included Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, as well as former Selangor Menteri Besar cum PN state chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who has been actively campaigning in these areas.
PN’s goal appears to be trying to establish a dominant presence in the northern corridor to effectively reduce the influence of its opponents and ultimately solidify its own foothold in the region. This strategy is crucial for its ambitions to gain control of Selangor and further strengthen its political position in the state.
Hard to beat incumbent’s strong track record
However, PN will be hard-pressed if they wish to wrest control of the state, whose administration Pakatan Harapan has helmed for the last three terms since 2008.
From the late Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim's stewardship, to Azmin, and now Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Harapan has a long-standing track record that has greatly benefitted Selangor, largely due to their unbroken social and economic policies which have led to stable economic growth even during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
This is the main argument of Amirudin’s administration, which has been strongly emphasised, that Selangor voters should continue expressing their confidence in the incumbent administration by supporting it for another five-year term.
Another major advantage to this narrative is that the Unity Government is composed of the same party that runs the state administration, and Selangor citizens will benefit greatly from ensuring that Harapan remains in power in Selangor.
During the launch of Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s youth and women's wings in Tanjung Karang last week, Amirudin cited his experience with a ‘hostile’ Federal government led by PN during the pandemic.
He said that even Selangor’s vaccine programme was hampered because of this strained relationship.
Amirudin stated that Selangor residents deserve better (from the Federal government), alongside a sense of ‘peace’, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic and the political tumult and uncertainty stemming from the infamous Sheraton Move in 2020.
Reaping the benefits of years of strong economic and social programmes, PN faces a difficult challenge in effectively dislodging Harapan in the state, a fact the Menteri Besar is well aware of.
Harapan’s challenges
However, the northern corridor presents the most obvious challenge, as its districts are less affluent than neighbouring ones in central and southern Selangor.
It is in these small villages and rustic hamlets where PN’s conservative narrative, revolving around race, religion and a narrow view of patriotic duty, will likely win the day instead of what the present state government has done for its own people.
While Amirudin has intensified his efforts in the northern corridor, conducting several official duties and meet-and-greets with local community leaders, there is still the question of Harapan’s cooperation with former foe-turned-ally, Barisan Nasional (BN).
His message to party members last week during the launch was not to be complacent, but it lacks clarity on how Harapan intends to collaborate with BN and Umno, particularly at the grassroots level.
At the Federal level, the Unity Government has consistently emphasised that an administration led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim offers the greatest opportunity for enacting significant changes.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a challenge in translating this message, particularly in rural areas with a predominantly Malay population. Despite claims by some members of both Harapan and BN that the political landscape has changed, they approach this narrative cautiously.
Without a doubt, Harapan and BN’s dynamics will inadvertently change following the result of the state election.
One of the factors to take into account is BN's strong desire to join the Selangor state government after they were voted out of power 15 years ago.
