Rantau My Personal Take

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ENTER the third day of campaigning in Rantau state seat by-election. It began to gather pace under the heat with all four candidates doing all they can to garner votes.

Rantau is, as it goes without saying, is Umno's Mohamad Hasan domain. The former mentri besar of Negeri Sembilan is known for his personal touch with the electorates. He has done some wonders for Rantau folks.

But this by-election will also be an all-out task for him. The Barisan Nasional components of Umno, MCA and MIC are around him. This reflects how stiff the competition would be. With the Malays forming a smaller majority as compared to Semenyih, the non-Malays could be well attracted to his main rival from Pakatan's PKR Dr Streram, whose election petition had nullified him of the victory in GE14.

And with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim 'camping' throughout the campaigning period in Rantau, the passage is not going to be easy for Tok Mat.

Do bear in mind that as Umno forms the opposition pact now, and it's money is still put into freeze by the government, there is nothing much for Tok Mat to offer the voters. Not anymore. No projects and no big promises.

Tok Mat and BN is only banking on Umno-Pas cooperation, the increasingly people's dissatisfaction against Putrajaya and, maybe, his achievement as Negeri mentri besar. Other than that, former prime minister Najib Razak increasingly popularity may come as some helps too.

Umno president Zahid Hamidi is another contributing factor in Rantau. Although Tok Mat can stand on his own strength, the favorable condition may switch to other direction. Some said before the nomination day on March 30 that Tok Mat might not need helping hands from Zahid and Najib but I take it as a statement 'arrogantly made'.

After losing its grip on Putrajaya, BN lost heavily on spending. Its a fact that everyone in BN must accept. With nothing to offer, the war doesn't favor the pact unless it is turned into a political vendetta between the opposition and the government, and between people's dissatisfaction against Dr Mahathir's regime.

The latter looks acceptable. With its failure to deliver what is promised in the GE14 manifesto, the spiraling cost of living and the many flip-flops in the Cabinet, is paving just the right way for Barisan Nasional.

However, as the ruling government, PH holds the edge. With money and goodies for the electorates, it might work out well for them. Umno-Pas collaboration has shown good results in Cameron Highlands and Semenyih. It could happen again in Rantau, and it might not happen at all as the non-Malays are the gullible lots.

Even the Malay votes are not a determinant as some may go to PKR and the other two Independents. Dr Streram just needs to promise a new kuil somewhere in Rantau, and the Indian votes will go to him.

The Chinese, of course will opt for prosperity, irrespective of who has the power to provide them with good platform for a better future. By the reading, Tok Mat won't find it easy unless helps come from everywhere.

Rantau by-election is for the future but the future looks a little bleak at this juncture. PH may be new but BN has proven its worthiness. This may make many voters torn between to lovers. Tok Mat and team needs to convince them on the need to keep BN and its old ways of managing the country, not the PH-style which is causing headache to the rakyat.

That's how I see it. I may be right of wrong but all readings must take in all possibilities...

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