By Diana Abd Wahab and Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, July 10 — Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) is banking on its excellent track record in Selangor to defend the state in the upcoming election, according to two incumbent lawmakers.
Rodziah Ismail, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) deputy election director, said Selangor's success in ensuring economic growth and addressing any arising issues ought to serve as an example to states currently under Perikatan Nasional's (PN) rule.
"We will utilise this campaign period to disseminate information to voters, including states like Kelantan, by making an example out of Selangor of how a government should be administered," she told reporters after the launch of the Batu Tiga Keadilan election machinery and operations centre, here, last night.
"If anyone asks why Selangor, just look at the problems in the country. Yes, Selangor is not spared, but we handled the issues of flood and Covid-19, among others, thoroughly and to the best of our ability."
The incumbent Batu Tiga assemblyman said Harapan's strategy of highlighting Selangor's achievements during campaigning is also particularly crucial, taking into consideration the demography of voters in the state, which are made up largely of professionals and highly educated individuals.
Additionally, Rodziah said being a state executive councillor has helped her notice improvements in the state administration, through the implementation of various people-centric programmes.
On Harapan's cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN). she expressed delight at the momentum evident at the state level, adding that both coalitions will be joining forces in campaigning through various platforms, including social media.
"We hope through this cooperation, votes from BN's supporters will be given fully to Harapan so that we can form a unity government in the state, subsequently rejecting PN.
[caption id="attachment_318180" align="aligncenter" width="756"]
Najwan Halimi speaks during the launching ceremony of the Batu Tiga Keadilan election machinery and operations centre at the Kota Anggerik state assembly service centre in Shah Alam on July 10, 2023. — Picture via FACEBOOK/NAJWAN HALIMI[/caption]
Meanwhile, Kota Anggerik incumbent Najwan Halimi is confident voters in Selangor will make the wise choice of retaining Harapan in the coming state poll, and that the coalition's cooperation with BN can help in securing a bigger majority.
"Through this cooperation, BN will bring over their supporters, thereafter ensuring an increased majority as compared to the 14th General Election," he said after the launch of the Kota Anggerik election machinery.
Najwan also lambasted PN for purportedly discrediting Harapan and confusing voters with baseless allegations, besides playing down the successes of the state under the administration of Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
"Selangor PN chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said if PN wins, they will bring changes to Selangor. The fact is when he was menteri besar then, the state's performance declined and investments dwindled, because he spent so much but without showing results."
Selangor is one of six states which will be heading to the polls on August 12, the other five being Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
