KUALA LUMPUR: Umno's positioning as a competitive alternative to the incumbent Pas, which may have overstayed their welcome, has been cited as the main reason for Barisan Nasional (BN)'s victory in the Nenggiri by-election.

Universiti Malaysia associate professor Awang Azman Awang Pawi credited Umno's campaign as effective in handling voter concerns, especially with constant visits by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to the Kelantan state assembly seat.

Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development minister, may also be seen by locals as a vanguard of rural and regional development, the analyst said.

Today, the party's Youth chief Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, BN's candidate, won the by-election with a 3,352 vote majority against Perikatan Nasional (PN)'s Rizwadi Ismail, who contested on a Pas ticket.

Azman believed there is fatigue among constituents, either of Pas policies or its leadership, which Umno was able to benefit from.

According to the analyst, Pas' attempt at stirring 3R sentiments ahead of the election failed to affect the general population.

"These issues may not have affected the majority of the voters this time, especially if they are more aware of practical issues like governance, development, or local leadership.

"3R issues may also be less affective as voters find discourse guided by policy, fact, and choice more rational", he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's focus on issues affecting the people, Azman said, rather than just political rhetoric may have caused the voters in Nenggiri to be more attracted to BN's candidate.

The analyst believed that the government's awareness of these issues, seen in announcements such as placements of new ATMs in remote areas, which was mocked by the opposition leading up to election day, may also have influenced some to cast their vote for Azmawi.

Ultimately, Azman said, the win may further solidify the unity government, especially ahead of Umno's General Assembly.

"The result (of the election) is useful for the upcoming Umno General Assembly to justify the continuity of an alliance in the upcoming general election.

"This victory gives concrete evidence that cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) can give a result that may strengthen the leadership, especially as enemies within are successfully eliminated, he said.

Earlier today, Zahid said that he was optimistic that BN could win in the by-election, despite a slim chance.

He also said that a victory in Nenggiri would be important to allow Umno to not become irrelevant in the Pas-dominated state.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/08/1093006/umnos-attention-voter-concerns-fatigue-pas-main-reasons-nenggiri-win