01-08-2023, 10:37 AM
Bumpy road ahead to next Penang state polls
![[Image: DUN-Pulau-Pinang-kosong-Penang-state-assembly-fb.jpg]](https://s3media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DUN-Pulau-Pinang-kosong-Penang-state-assembly-fb.jpg)
GEORGE TOWN: The coming elections to the Penang state assembly will be one to watch as former arch-enemies Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional put aside their differences and work together.
Leaders of both parties appear ready to work together, but grassroot members appear to be uncomfortable about emulating the cooperation practised at national level.
A senior DAP leader, asked about grassroot apathy, told FMT: “Anwar Ibrahim has only been in power for a month. The state elections must be held in eight to 10 months. The tide can change and the grassroots would learn that there are no permanent enemies in politics.”
Leaders of both parties appear ready to work together, but grassroot members appear to be uncomfortable about emulating the cooperation practised at national level.
A senior DAP leader, asked about grassroot apathy, told FMT: “Anwar Ibrahim has only been in power for a month. The state elections must be held in eight to 10 months. The tide can change and the grassroots would learn that there are no permanent enemies in politics.”
However, it wouldn’t be easy for PH to maintain the supermajority-level of support it received in the 2018 elections, taking into account Perikatan Nasional’s rise in popularity among the Malays.
With Kepala Batas, Permatang Pauh and Tasek Gelugor lost to Perikatan Nasional in the November general election, the PH machinery will have to fight it out in Malay heartlands of Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai, to fend off the “green wave” – the term used to describe the success of the PN-PAS partnership.
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