ALOR GAJAH: The success of the electoral cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional in the Melaka election will depend on whether supporters of both coalitions are willing to transfer their votes to each other’s candidates.
Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the arrangement would translate into electoral success only if grassroots supporters were prepared to back candidates from allied parties, even when their preferred party was not contesting.
He said the Melaka election would serve as an important test of whether the cooperation could deliver another electoral victory, following the formula adopted in the recent Negri Sembilan election.
“There is no point having a strategy and political cooperation if there is no transfer of votes.
“If voters do not see a candidate from the party they support, but there is a candidate from a cooperating party, they should give their vote to that candidate.
“That is what we are appealing for — a transfer of votes between supporters of the cooperating parties,” he told reporters while campaigning for BN candidate for Rembia, Azril Aziz, here today.
Khairy said the arrangement required Pas and PN supporters to back BN candidates in constituencies where their parties were not contesting, and vice versa.
“Here in Rembia, those who previously supported Pas or PN should support the BN candidate because their parties are not contesting here.
“If this formula worked in Negri Sembilan, it will also be accepted in Melaka,” he said.
Khairy said the outcome could also provide an early indication of how similar political cooperation might play out in the next general election.
“This could once again serve as a precursor to what might happen in the coming general election,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khairy said BN’s campaign strategy also focused on fielding candidates who were familiar with their constituencies and had established relationships with local communities.
He said Azril was among those who fitted the approach, having served in various positions within Umno and the local administration.
“Azril has extensive experience as a long-time Umno activist, having served as a division secretary, a Youth leader and a special officer at the state constituency development and coordination committee (Japerun).
“He knows the people here, and they know him. He also understands the workings of local administration and the responsibilities of an elected representative,” he said.
Khairy said BN’s advantage in the election also stemmed from the performance of the Melaka government under caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh.