Akmal’s role reduced in
Mahkota as Umno eyes
crucial Chinese votes
An Umno source says Dr Akmal Saleh’s past remarks may have upset the community, whom the party expects to decide the by-election’s outcome.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an Umno leader said Akmal would have a limited role in the by-election despite the party’s candidate, Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, coming from the youth wing.
The leader said this was because the Barisan Nasional lynchpin acknowledged the importance of ensuring that all Mahkota voters felt represented and respected, in order to gain their support.
“The Chinese voters will play a crucial role in this by-election, and we are working hard to ensure a strong turnout from them, as their support is essential for us to succeed.
he told FMT.We understand that certain comments made by Akmal in the past may have upset the Chinese community. Hence, we are taking steps to ensure that our message is inclusive and unifying,
Akmal has been outspoken over a range of issues since the formation of the unity government, from the proposal to make Emergency-era New Villages a Unesco world heritage site and KK Mart’s sale of socks bearing the word
to vernacular schools.Allah
His most recent outburst was over the mandatory halal certification issue, in which he slammed DAP MP Teresa Kok for opposing the proposal.
Akmal had called Kok a
and warned her against speaking on matters concerning Islam. Pundits warned Umno that Akmal’s tirade could cost the party in Mahkota, where Chinese voters make up about 35% of the electorate.nyonya tua
The Umno source nevertheless expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure a high voter turnout among the Chinese on polling day.
This is despite past trends of a lower turnout among Chinese voters in by-elections and state elections. This was particularly evident in the Sungai Bakap by-election, where a low non-Malay voter turnout contributed to Pakatan Harapan’s loss to Perikatan Nasional by 4,267 votes.
The Umno leader said the party was aiming for at least a 65% overall voter turnout in Mahkota.
He rejected the notion that the by-election would be a walk in the park based on the number of votes both BN and PH obtained in Mahkota during the 2022 state election, when they vied against each other.
He said it was important that the election machinery engaged all communities to secure a favourable result.
he said.While some may view this election as straightforward, we are focused on reaching out to every voter, especially in the Chinese community, to make sure their voices are heard,
The Mahkota by-election will be held on Sept 28, with early voting set for Sept 24.
The seat is a mixed constituency, with Malays comprising 54% of the voters, Chinese 35% and Indians 8%.
The by-election will see a straight fight between BN’s Syed Hussien, who speaks fluent Chinese, and PN’s Haizan Jaafar.
BN Confirm lose Mahkota
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