PAS is targeting Selangor as a key battleground to weaken Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the state level before attempting to dislodge the coalition from federal power in the 16th General Election (GE16), said Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Sanusi Nor.
Speaking at a Selangor PAS election machinery gathering at the Selangor PAS complex last night, Sanusi described Selangor as strategically important because of its role as one of Malaysia’s main economic centres.
He said a change in Selangor could have wider political consequences for PH, particularly given the state’s importance in the national political landscape.
“If PH falls in Selangor, PH will fall at the federal level,” he said.
Sanusi, who is also Kedah Menteri Besar, urged voters to evaluate PH based on its record in government rather than political rhetoric or campaign promises.
He challenged the coalition to demonstrate what it had achieved since taking office and encouraged the public to compare its performance with previous administrations.
The contest for Selangor is expected to remain closely watched ahead of GE16, with analysts previously suggesting that cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and PN could pose a challenge to PH’s position, particularly if Malay votes become more consolidated.
In the 2023 Selangor state election, PH secured 32 of the 56 state seats, while PN won 22. BN took the remaining two seats, after which PH and BN formed the state government.
Political cooperation between the parties has nevertheless come under renewed scrutiny following developments in Negeri Sembilan.
Last month, Selangor PKR Youth deputy chief Shahrul Adnan called on the state PH leadership to reassess its political cooperation with BN after BN and PN worked together during the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan state election.
With GE16 approaching, Selangor is likely to remain a major focus for competing coalitions as they seek to strengthen their respective support bases and secure a stronger position at both state and federal levels.
