Former Selangor UMNO chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar believes a straight fight between UMNO and PAS, without both parties contesting against each other, could pave the way for the alliance to win up to 34 of Selangor’s 56 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats.
Speaking after officiating the Shah Alam UMNO Youth Division delegates’ meeting on Sunday, Noh said he has long advocated for electoral cooperation between the two parties, arguing that avoiding multi-cornered contests would unite the Malay vote and significantly improve their chances of victory.
“If this cooperation becomes a reality, I believe we can win at least 34 state seats in Selangor,” he said.
Noh also claimed that six parliamentary constituencies in Selangor could potentially be captured if UMNO and PAS avoid contesting against one another.
He identified Kuala Selangor, Shah Alam, Sepang, Hulu Langat, Gombak and Sungai Buloh as constituencies where a one-on-one contest against Pakatan Harapan would give the opposition a stronger chance of winning.
“If there are no three-cornered fights, God willing, we can win these six parliamentary seats,” he added.
According to Noh, previous elections have shown that three-way contests only split the Malay vote, ultimately benefiting Pakatan Harapan candidates.
“I am confident that if UMNO and PAS do not compete against each other, the Malay vote will remain united behind the agreed candidate in each constituency,” he said.
He pointed out that in previous Selangor elections, three-cornered contests involving UMNO and PAS resulted in both parties losing, while Pakatan Harapan emerged victorious.
Noh also expressed hope that the electoral arrangement adopted for the Negeri Sembilan state election, where UMNO and PAS are avoiding direct clashes, would become a successful political model that could later be replicated in Selangor.
He said if the strategy proves effective in delivering more seats in Negeri Sembilan, it could strengthen cooperation between the two parties and eventually be expanded to the 16th General Election.
