5 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Khir Toyo backing PN won't help coalition retake Selangor, say analysts
An analyst said the influence of former menteris besar Khir Toyo and Azmin Ali (centre), along with former Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar, is still not strong enough to help PN reclaim the state.
PETALING JAYA : By joining Bersatu, former Selangor menteri besar Khir Toyo may help Perikatan Nasional (PN) strengthen its position in Malay-majority areas – but it is unlikely to be enough for the coalition to reclaim control of the state, say analysts.
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said Khir teaming up with two other political heavyweights in Selangor, former menteri besar Azmin Ali and former state Umno chief Noh Omar, would certainly give PN a boost.
Awang Azman Pawi.
However, he noted that the trio's influence is largely confined to Malay-majority constituencies and would do little to sway support from non-Malay voters.
'The current state government remains strong in mixed and urban seats. The Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance has the advantage in urban areas such as Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Serdang.
'As long as support from non-Malay and young voters remain with the unity government, it will be difficult for this PN trio to retake the entire state,' he told FMT.
'That said, PH-BN must remain cautious. They shouldn't be too quick to dismiss these seasoned political figures as irrelevant.'
According to Awang Azman, the true strength of the trio depends on how well they can unify grassroots party machinery, present a fresh narrative, and overcome the public's negative perception, especially in light of Khir's previous conviction.
Khir, a former three-term assemblyman, was sentenced to a year in prison in 2015 for abuse of power over the purchase of land and a bungalow and was released on parole after serving six months.
Awang Azman said Khir's entry into Bersatu could also help reconcile the long-standing rivalry between factions that had previously supported Khir and Noh.
'This signals their willingness to put old Umno rivalries behind them in pursuit of a larger political goal – defeating PH-BN in Selangor.
'They realise that political survival demands compromise. In this context, the ambition to retake Selangor takes precedence over personal grudges,' he said, referring to the rivalry between Khir and Noh over the menteri besar's post during the 13th general election in 2013.
Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara believes Khir is unlikely to spark any political upset in the next election, as he is widely viewed as politically irrelevant and still tainted by his past conviction for abuse of power.
Ariff Aizuddin Azlan.
He said Selangor voters are looking for a fresh leader with strong, innovative ideas and the ability to inspire a sense of change that resonates with the public.
'To win Selangor, PN needs a more substantial narrative.
'The coalition must offer a new formula, such as good governance and shared economic prosperity regardless of race or religion,' he said.
