State polls: Barisan leaders visit northern Selangor on the campaign trail

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during a walkabout in Sungai Besar town to lend his support to Barisan Nasional candidate for the Sungai Panjang state seat and incumbent Datuk Mohd Imran Tamrin.

SUNGAI BESAR: The latest top leader to visit the blazing hot northern Selangor region was Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Also, with him on Thursday (Aug 10) was MCA central committee member Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jek Seng who has been reaching out to the Chinese community in the northern Selangor state constituencies.

Onn Hafiz, who is the Selangor Barisan Nasional state election coordinator, said the people in northern Selangor should ensure their areas are led by representatives linked to the Federal Government.

Northern Selangor is made-up of Kuala Selangor, Sungai Besar, Tanjung Karang and Sabak Bernam.

Datuk Imran Tamrin with a constituent.

"We should not make these places opposition areas.

"Based on the previous general election results, (the votes) have gone to the Opposition.

"When you become an opposition area, your resources are limited, your access is limited," cautioned Onn Hafiz.

Currently, the Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar and Tanjong Karang parliamentary seats all belong to Perikatan Nasional with only Kuala Selangor coming under Pakatan Harapan.

"The people are the ones who will lose out. We hope they will vote rationally this time around to bring progress to this Malay belt area,” he said when met after a walkabout with Sungai Panjang incumbent Datuk Mohd Imran Tamrin who is Selangor Umno youth chief.

Onn Hafiz, who has been visiting the various constituencies in Selangor, said the electorate’s choice appeared to be vague even though they have been responding warmly and positively to the Barisan candidates.

"Anything can happen. That’s why my appeal to the people is to be rational this Saturday, and vote for prosperity and progress,” he said.

Dr Wee said he could clearly see that the Chinese voters did not want a new state government.

"The voters know the Sungai Panjang candidate, as he is the incumbent, and the atmosphere on the ground has been very cordial and warm," said Dr Wee who is the Tanjung Piai MP.

He added the Chinese voters in the area sought a capable and functioning state government and did not want the Green Wave making advances in Selangor.

Imran, meanwhile said, based on data and facts, as well as the general election results, Perikatan’s claim that it was receiving big support in the region cannot be refuted.

"I am cautious, but at the same time am confident that the good response towards the unity government will be able to see us through.

"But I must also say that we are not in a comfortable position and will be facing a fierce battle to retain the seats here," added Imran.

According to Imran, the biggest challenge was the advent of the Green Wave.

"Even though our biggest challenge is the Green Wave, on our part we will bring the ‘red and yellow wave’ which is reflective of the spirit of Selangor," he said.

Meanwhile, Ustaz Sallehen Mukhyi, who is Perikatan’s candidate for Sabak, said the response for the Opposition coalition was very positive in the region.

"The Green Wave phenomenon appears to be returning and if there is no adverse campaigning against us at the very last minute, all will be well for Perikatan," said Sallehen who was a former PAS commissioner and state executive councillor in former Mentri Besar the late Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s line-up.

Sallehen said, from his experience, last minute adverse and provocative campaigning can be a game changer and thwart what was initially anticipated.