Nenggiri has demonstrated that in politics, a week can be a long time
Nenggiri has many deep messages for Malaysia and one is that the Green Wave has its limitations but the question remains whether Umno can win big in a Malay-majority seat in Kelantan?
The sudden shift in Nenggiri, where PAS suffered a significant defeat, should be a wake-up call for the party. It’s a reminder that being in the opposition doesn’t guarantee an easy victory, even when playing on home turf in a state long considered their stronghold.
Losing with over 3,000 votes in such a crucial area is no small matter. Could this be attributed to the Anwar Ibrahim effect? His recent announcements, including a pay raise for civil servants and the welcoming of wounded Palestinians for treatment in Malaysia, may have swayed public sentiment in his coalition's favor.
However, it is too early to link a big win in a traditional Umno-BN stronghold that went to the PAS with the current sentiments nationwide.
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Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani
The Nenggiri result proves that UMNO and BN can effectively compete with and defeat PN, offering a much-needed morale boost for UMNO and its leader, Zahid Hamidi, ahead of this month's party polls. Zahid, who faced criticism for the party's poor performance in the 2022 general election, now has a positive outcome to rally around.
Umno is back?
But it does not mean the problems Zahid and Umno face are over. Nor that Umno is back, Or that its supporters have made the U-turn after cosying with PAS and Bersatu.
But Nenggiri should also serve as a lesson for UMNO rebels who are using the machinery of the Unity Government to try to destabilize the Madani and Umno as a party with their open attacks on Anwar and the DAP while sitting in Umno and BN.
A week is now long in politics and their theatrics may, in the end, play against the rebellious figures in Umno, BN, the MCA and MIC.
The result nevertheless highlights that the opposition PN, particularly PAS, may need to rethink their reliance on the ‘green wave’ and promises of heaven, as these tactics don't always resonate with voters.
No magic formula in Nenggiri
If anyone is searching for a 'magic formula' behind BN's success in these elections, they won't find one. The results clearly indicate that the Orang Asli, youth, and returning voters from other states played a crucial role in helping Barisan Nasional reclaim Nenggiri.
This victory wasn't about policies, national issues, or the so-called "Anwar effect" as some have suggested. BN managed to reclaim the Nenggiri seat from PN primarily because the Orang Asli vote remains a reliable fixed deposit for BN. Those who shifted their votes for the PAS in the last state elections have returned.
As for PAS, it's clear that their propaganda campaign against Anwar over the past 22 months is losing its impact. Even the youth are now growing weary of the constant character attacks on Anwar, which have become repetitive and ineffective.
A notable shift in online attitudes is evident, with TikTok remaining an exception where criticism of PH and Anwar remains prevalent.
The Green Belt
Can BN or PH repeat the same feat in a majority Malay seat in the ‘Green belt’? It is doubtful.
But what I can conclude is that BN and PH are relieved that their hard work and unity front is starting to bear fruits.
They should continue on this path to recapture the hearts and minds across the country if they want to increase their chances of winning in the next general elections.