SUNGAI LIMAU, 3 Nov: Ilham Centre, an independent research body, predicts that the Sungai Limau By-Election results may be a victory for PAS to retain the seat.
The Executive Director of Ilham Centre, Muhamad Hisommudin Bakar said that PAS is expected to defend its seat with a lower majority based on voter’s response.
He said that PAS is leading by 48 percent and BN at 42 percent, while the remaining 10 percent are still undecided.
He said that the percentage is measured by the voters in the constituency without involving about seven percent of voters from outside the area.
“Chinese voters seem to be careful in making a decision. They take into account the aspect of profit and loss, benefits as well as the impact it will have on them.
“All considerations take into account the economic survival of the community in making a political decision this time,” he said in a press statement today.
Ilham Centre was established in 2006 by conducting independent research and using academic research methods at the tertiary level.
Muhamad Hisommudin said PAS is at an advantage of having hardcore supporters in addition to having voters from outside the area who are more inclined towards PR.
He said the influence of the late Tan Sri Ustaz Azizan Razak is evident since 68 percent of respondents said that the former Chief Minister greatly contributed to the community.
“He is deemed as a caring leader that does not take into account party differences. Among his services is to ease hard clashed, which is a tradition of UMNO-PAS, in this area.
“This caused both election machineries use the Azizan factor in their campaign,” he said adding that Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir’s influence shows that the Kedah Chief Minister is at a level of 38 percent.