Bn The Underdog In Semenyih

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SO, IT's a four-cornered fight in Semenyih by-election. With Pakatan Harapan fielding 30-year-old Muhammad Aiman Zainali from PPBM, Barisan Nasional is banking its hope on Zakaria Hanafi, 58, a local leader well-known to the electorates.

The other two are Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul from PSM and independent Kuan Chee Heng, also known as 'Uncle Kentang' who is also president of Malaysian Community Policing Association.

By the way, Aiman is also the son-in-law of the incumbent assemblyman from PPBM Bakhtiar Mohd Nor who passed away of heart attack on January 11. This will be an issue to many but being with the ruling government, he stands a better chance of winning.

He is not at the doorstep of most Semenyih folks. Being a newcomer to politics, young and a 'genuine' tertiary cert, the young voters are expected to woo him in. That make's him a favourite.

However, Zakaria too stands equal opportunity to become the new assemblyman for Semenyih. With his long CV of public service to his credit, the people seem to be more comfortable with a 'level-headed' local leader.

His engagement with charity works makes him a darling to Semenyih.

Its a major test for PH amid controversies shrouding its few ministers and MPs, particularly the fake degree, many U-turns and inconsistency in some government policies.

As for BN, the stunning victory in Cameron Highlands parliamentary by-election will not make it a favourite in Semenyih. It will not be the same situation as Semenyih falls under the semi-urban category.

But the cooperation between Umno and Pas is showing great results, and Pakatan could end up losing Semenyih on March 2. Even prime minister Dr Mahathir has 'to lie' that Hadi Awang has penned down an agreement that Pas will not throw its support behind Umno this time around.

Is Dr M or is it Hadi who is the liar? Only both of them and God know!

I was hoping for a head-on collision between PH and BN in Semenyih. After PSM and Uncle Kentang step into the foe, I find it a bit difficult to come up with a 'prophecy'.

Little is known about Nik Aziz but Uncle Kentang will for sure become a 'spoiler' to both PH and BN, unless he is a planted candidate, either by DAP, PKR or PPBM itself. He was active until GE14 and his 'charity' stopped since May 9, and that raises a lot of questions.

Its not about who the ruling party is. After so many flip-flops and U-turns, the people are having doubt in PH credibility to serve. With some promises made in its GE14 manifesto undelivered - abolishing toll and PTPTN, reducing petrol prices to the minimum and the sour relation with Singapore - are thickening such doubts.

The spiraling prices of goods is also the nucleus of public's hardship, which the government said is still manageable.

Hanafi will face a tough fight in Semenyih, no doubt about it. 'No vote, no money' remark will possibly bring about confusion to the electorates but as what PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin puts it, 'vote for continuous development', it might work.

However, the government is not always right and the Opposition is not always wrong. Having money and power guarantee nothing for the future of Semenyih's generation if there is no unity to observe.

The Malays, after all the propaganda about DAP on the social media, is now having a second thought for PH, especially after Dr M admitted that he listens 'plenty from Lim Kit Siang'.

The 'war' has started in Semenyih. The best will prevail but the voters in Semenyih have options to think of...

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