PAS’ non-Muslim member: How much more economic pain can the Chinese endure by sticking with PH?

https://focusmalaysia.my/pas-non-muslim-member-kkb-by-election-will-determine-if-the-chinese-will-forgo-economic-pains-to-stick-with-ph-dap/

Focus Malaysia:

PAS’ non-Muslim member: How much more economic pain can the Chinese endure by sticking with PH?


THE Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election will be a testbed as to whether the Chinese will stick to their guns/guts by vehemently supporting Pakatan Harapan (PH) even if they know that the latter is incapable of delivering what has been spelt out in the ruling coalition’s 15th General Election’s (GE15) manifesto.


Such observation comes from PAS non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP) member Steven Koh Tien Yew (main image) who felt that the economic woes plaguing the country can be the root cause in the shift of Chinese voters away from PH.

According to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) Jawi state assembly candidate during the Aug 12 Penang state election last year, the Chinese who are mostly involved in the business sector are very concerned about economic affairs which are currently affecting them greatly.


“It’s true that the Chinese tend to support DAP. But DAP voters are also feeling economic pinch stemming from the hike in the price of goods,” Koh told HarakahDaily at the Kerling district operations centre yesterday (May 5).

“If there is an increase in the price of goods that burdens the people, DAP supporters, too, will also be buying those goods at an expensive price. Doubtlessly, they will also feel burdened.

Steven Koh Tien Yew (second from right) with fellow PAS Non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP) members campaigning in favour of PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut in the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election.

“The people actually want changes and solutions to the current cost of living issue but the irony is that the government of the day is incapable to bring the country out of the economy predicament.”

While there is an obvious split in the support of Indians towards PH, especially with prominent political leaders in the likes of Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy championing the Indians not to vote for the PH-DAP candidate Pang Sock Tao in this Saturday’s (May 11) polls, real cracks in the Chinese support to PH-DAP are not visible.

Nevertheless, Koh did observe an increase in the support for PN among non-Malays compared to the 2022 national polls and the six states election in August last year.

“(But) this time around, I see that PN on the right track to seize the KKB seat (from the incumbent DAP),” observed Koh who also contested in the Bukit Mertajam parliament constituency during GE15 under the PN banner.

“I am confident that KKB folks are ready to send a referendum signal by rejecting PH which has failed miserably to resolve the people’s hardship.”

The 43-year-old community activist further expects the factor of an experienced political leader (Bersatu Hulu Selangor division acting chief) and a local son to become the strength for PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut in winning both the support and votes of the KKB electorate.

“In terms of experience, the PN candidate is more matured and experienced. We can see from his biodata that he has previous engagement with the community,” Koh pointed out.

“Moreover, PN candidate is a local resident who understands more about the problems of the local population compared to the DAP candidate who is an outsider.” – May 6, 2024