The Penang Malay Congress (PMC) president and a third voice proponent, Rahmad Isahak, said this is because DAP is against the adoption of hudud (Syariah Criminal Enactment) legislation.
The political scenario has changed since April, last year when Barisan Nasional regained federal power despite losing the popularity vote while three states opted for Pakatan Rakyat.
Now, polarisation has seeped into the fabric of Malaysian society, and DAP is not looked upon favourably by many Malays, who are predominantly Muslims, said Rahmad.
“While DAP may profess that the proposed law is unconstitutional or anti-secular, Muslims accept hudud as an integral part of Islam. As Muslims, we cannot reject it,” he said.
The pressure is actually now on Dyana Sofya, a political secretary to DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang to convince her comrades that the party must accept hudud, added Rahmad.
“Otherwise, she may only end up antagonising the Malay ground in Teluk Intan,” said Rahmad. “Also, the move by DAP is seen as insincere.”
Mah can regain Chinese support
He said if DAP wanted to showcase its multi-racialism and that it does not practise nepotism, it should have fielded more Malays or Indians as candidates in the last general election.
“The best state should have been Penang, where the demographics show an almost equal number of Malays and Chinese voters,” he said.
As for Gerakan, which is contesting on behalf of Barisan, Rahmad said the federal coalition has a chance, provided its anointed candidate Mah Siew Keong is a strategist.
Mah is the new Gerakan president and the 53-year-old is up against a 26-year-old. It is shaping up to be an interesting encounter, said Rahmad.
A veteran against a novice, but DAP has an edge going in, as it is a party of incumbency, having held the seat twice since 2008, he said.
“But, Mah is a local boy, and if he can regain support among the Chinese, perhaps from 17% to 30%, the seat could be re-taken by Barisan,” said Rahmad.
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