By Tan Yoke Suan

The news of PKR de facto leader Anwar is contesting the upcoming Kajang by-election had created the first shock of the Malaysian political scenario in 2014, the aftershock is still reeling. There were mixed reactions such as excitement and disappointment.

Kajang is a so called mixed-constituency; there is no particular race that constituted majority voters. According to the report, 48% voters are Malays. From past experiences, it is an advantage to PKR which claimed to be multi-racial party in such constituency. During the last general election, the party had won the seat with a vast majority of votes.

Over the last few years, opposition parties had managed to gain foothold after several political and social movements. However, support shown by the Malay voters to PKR is relatively unpredictable. The reasons behind are complex. After the 505 general election, the country had been surrounded by racial and religious issues, this had added to the uncertainty of the Malay votes.

According to news report, PKR’s Malay votes had dropped from 45% in 2008 to 34% in 2013. As the by-election carries substantive meaning, and in addition to the peculiarity of Anwar, it is interesting to observe how the Kajang Malays vote.

This is the first time for Anwar to contest outside his home based constituency, Permatang Pauh. The Kajang Malay voters do not have any local sentiment towards Anwar; therefore, this by-election will truly reflect the Malay community’s level of support towards PKR.

Anwar has more advantage compare with Chew Mei Fun, candidate for Barisan Nasional, in wooing the Malay voters.

If PR wins less Malay votes than Barisan, then its road to Putrajaya is only an empty talk.

On the other hand, Anwar’s evolving from student activist to a high ranking official, and his clear-cut stand in safeguarding the Malay rights, had deeply impressed upon many Malaysians. They have formed their own definite views about him.

Kajang is a suburban area with the emergence of many new housing estates, the residents consist of the original Kajang folks and new comers of younger generation migrated from other parts of the country. The Malay young generation was brought up under the influence of reformasi initiated by Anwar. The votes cast will reflect whether they still care about his ups and downs as well as his image as a community’s traitor.

Another factor that cannot be ignored is the geographical location of Kajang. It is merely 20 km away from Putrajaya, the federal administration centre of the Malaysia government. Anwar’s supporters had depicted the Kajang battle as the battle that leads his way to Putrajaya. This again had ignited the voters’ hope of changing the federal government. In the wake of soaring costs of living, racial and religious tensions, BN certainly is feeling the pressure from PR, especially the candidate id Anwar.

Bangi which is situated at the south-western part of Kajang is a place of strategic importance to the country’s Islamic believers. Many Islamic organizations such as ABIM which was formed by Anwar have their offices in Bangi.

Azmin Ali who is familiar with the Umno tactics is in command of the Malay areas. Anwar has also roped in former Selangor mentri besar Muhamad Taib to garner more rural Malay votes. In the recent talks to the public, Anwar has mentioned several times about strengthening the position of Islam; these are obvious act of winning more Muslim support.

Should Anwar manage to get more Malay votes this time round, PR will use the same strategy in other future by-elections and also the next general election. However, if Anwar fails to garner more Malay votes, then PKR and PR will have to review the needs of the Malay voters especially the new generation and change its strategy.

As of today, it is hard to predict whether PR will be closer to Putrajaya or Malaysian politics will move into a new direction. However, just like the Lunas by-election, the Kajang by-election will be another important chapter that cannot be over look in Malaysia’s election history.

(Oriental Daily News, 25-02-2014)

Original Source: 加影马来选民考验安华