Despite Ph Big Guns Final Fillip Umno Still Has Chance In Camerons

---

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is the most senior government leader to join the Cameron Highlands campaign. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional big guns are joining in the final hours of campaigning in Cameron Highlands, as analysts say an Umno that is out of federal power can still depend on loyalty that has been built over the decades
Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani of Universiti Utara Malaysia said this can be seen in Jelai, a state constituency under Cameron Highlands
“It will be tough for PH and even Dr Mahathir Mohamad to secure Jelai
“Jelai Umno has always protected its supporters. It is unlikely they would support Pakatan Harapan tomorrow,” he told FMT
His comments followed a finding by a think tank which predicted a BN victory tomorrow
Ilham Centre said there was strong PAS backing as well as a perception by Malay voters of Pakatan Harapan’s failure to address Malay concerns that would work in BN’s favour
The think tank, which interviewed 402 voters as the campaign draws to a close tonight, said the active presence of Najib Razak in the BN campaign could play a part in mobilising support among the constituency’s poor, although it could backfire against BN in the town areas
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad travelled to Cameron Highlands today to give a final fillip to PH’s prospects in the four-cornered battle
For political analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff, Mahathir’s visit may sway some voters in the Umno stronghold of Jelai, but said most of them would still stick to Umno
Echoing Ilham’s observation that race and religion rhetoric from Umno was a losing battle for PH, Kamarul said fencesitters may support the ruling coalition, but Malay voters would still vote against PH
As for the crucial Orang Asli votes, Azizuddin said they were a divided lot
A group among them wants development, another prefers loyalty, he added
“The outstation voters who are returning home to vote can add up to PH’s numbers and give them an outside chance,” he added. - FMT

---