State polls: 'Extraordinary' support for Perikatan, especially among Malays, claims Muhyiddin

PETALING JAYA: Support for Perikatan Nasional is extraordinary, especially from the Malays as they now felt “hopeless” under the present government, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"I believe the Malays will continue to support Perikatan in the state elections due to the leadership and economic crisis happening, as well as other issues that make them lose hope in the unity government," he said.

ALSO READ: State polls to cost RM420mil

Meanwhile, the Preikatan chairman said negotiations for seat allocations were 99% complete for Perikatan Nasional component parties in preparations for the six state elections.

Muhyiddin said the final meeting on seat negotiations for the Opposition coalition is slated for Wednesday (June 22).

ALSO READ: Cops keeping an eye on social media during state polls

“If you ask if all the component parties are satisfied with the outcome, of course, they will say, no. PAS happy? No. Bersatu even more (unsatisfied). Gerakan as well. So who would be satisfied?

“There is only one candidate that can contest for each seat, but this is normal in the negotiation process.

“What is important is the camaraderie between the component parties because when PAS, Gerakan or Bersatu wins, it is a win for Perikatan,” he said when launching the Penang Perikatan Convention and state election machinery on Saturday (June 17).

Also present were Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai, who is also Penang Perikatan chairman, and state coalition leaders.

ALSO READ: Schools ready for use as state elections polling centres, says Fadhlina

Muhyiddin also said the state elections in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are likely to be held in August as the state legislative assemblies are due to be dissolved at different dates.

For Penang, Muhyiddin said the coalition is confident of securing almost 20 seats out of the 40 state legislative seats.

The Pagoh lawmaker urged Perikatan members to work hard to achieve a simple majority to secure Penang.

“Penang is an uphill battle but there is a good chance for us.

“To the top leaders, we must work hard. We only need 21 seats to win in Penang. Let’s take the challenge as we have a chance of securing almost 20 seats.

“Even if we have secured a win in the state polls, it would not heavily impact at the federal level, but it will make way for us to return to power when the right time comes,” he said.

Separately, Muhyiddin confirmed that he will be meeting former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin next week.

Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president, hoped the former Umno youth chief would agree to join Perikatan.

"I have set the date and Khairy and his delegation will meet me next week, we are confident he will make a wise decision,” he said. - Bernama