Headline Analysts predict lower turnout MediaTitle New Straits Times Date 12 May 2014 Language English Circulation 149,000 Readership 447,000 Section Local News Color Full Color Page No 6 ArticleSize 194 cm² AdValue RM 6,662 PR Value RM 19,986
Analysts predict lower turnout
KUALA LUMPUR: Without MCA's presence, the Bukit Gelugor parlia mentary byelection may see a drop in the number of voters, said a po litical analyst. Associate Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, from Universiti Utara Malaysia, said this was because the party's supporters would probably not vote for candidates from other parties. "The chances of Barisan Nasional and MCA supporters voting for other candidates are slim, since the ruling coalition is not fielding candidates for the polls, whose nomination day Mas Ermieyati Samsudin says is today. despite MCA's decision, work at the "BN supporters will not vote for grassroots level must continue candidates from other parties, which would lead to a drop in voter eral BN leaders, who said the move turnout," he told the New Straits was "the right thing to do". Times yesterday. Puteri Umno chief Mas Ermieyati Azizuddin believes that the Samsudin said she believed that turnout may drop by about 40 per MCA had deliberated on the matter cent. before reaching its decision. Universiti Sains Malaysia Associ "However, work at the grassroots ate Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian level must go on. echoed Azizuddin's sentiment, say "BN workers must continue ef ing the number of voters could be forts to spread the goodwill message slashed. of the coalition, while countering al However, both political analysts legations hurled by the opposition." had different opinions on MCA's de Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng cision not to contest. Liang said the coalition would con Azizuddin believes that BN and tinue to be the opposition's punch MCA should contest the byelection, ing bag during the polls' campaign although it will be a challenge for the period. coalition to wrest Bukit Gelugor "It is typical for the opposition to from DAP. attack BN, even though the coalition "MCA could use the byelection as is not contesting the byelection." a platform to prove to the people MIC Youth chief C. Sivarraajh said that the party is rejuvenating and it would not be "gentlemanly" for moving towards providing better the opposition to harass BN, as service to the rakyat." MCA's withdrawal could be under Sivamurugan said BN and MCA stood as a sign of respect for the had made a wise decision and that it contributions of former Bukit Gel should be respected. ugor member of parliament, the late "I believe that, at this juncture, Karpal Singh. MCA should focus on efforts to re A total of 82,431 registered voters juvenate and strengthen itself." in the parliamentary constituency Sharing his sentiment were sev are eligible to cast their votes.