Muhyiddin S Ex Aide Dr M Muda Relevant As Every Vote Now Matters

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A political scientist today told parties contesting the upcoming six state polls not to take Muda and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad lightly.
Speaking at a webinar, Marzuki Mohamad said while Muda may not be able to win seats, they have the potential to split votes, posing a challenge for the major contenders.
"I concur with (fellow panel member) Ong Kian Ming that Muda may not have much impact in gaining votes for the party and winning in the elections.
"But in a very competitive election like this, they may have an impact on the other parties (that are contesting).
"Whether they will take away votes from Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional, in elections where every single vote matters, we cannot look at Muda’s participation lightly," Marzuki (above) said.
The associate professor at International Islamic University Malaysia was speaking on the topic titled ‘Hearts versus minds in the struggle for Selangor’.
Selangor DAP treasurer Ong Kian MingHe was accompanied by Selangor DAP treasurer Ong Kian Ming, who also participated in his capacity as an academician.
Marzuki was also formerly a private secretary to then-prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Both panellists were asked a question about Muda entering the state elections as a third force.
To another question on Mahathir's reconciliation with Bersatu and PAS, Marzuki told the forum that the former Pejuang chairperson will also have an impact on the upcoming state polls outcome.
He said that although Pejuang - which was led by Mahathir at the time - did not win any seats during the parliamentary elections last November, some candidates drew a significant number of votes.
"In the context of state elections, particularly Selangor, this will mean something.
"At some places where Pejuang contested, they garnered a significant number of votes, some with more than 1,000 votes while some others got close to 2,000.
"Where the election is very competitive, it will have an impact," he said, adding that votes from Mahathir’s supporters may go to PN due to the reconciliation.
Muhyiddin took over as prime minister in 2020 from Mahathir after the Sheraton Move.
After three years of acrimony, Mahathir now campaigns for the PN coalition which Muhyiddin leads. - Mkini

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