Young voters remain Pas’ biggest challenge as it seeks to broaden its support ahead of the Johor state election, says deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
He said that although the party has made significant progress in expanding its influence beyond its traditional strongholds, winning the support of younger voters remains a key priority.
“About 40 per cent of the electorate are young voters. This is our challenge,” said the Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman.
Tuan Ibrahim said Pas has also become more experienced in fielding candidates outside their home states, with selections based on the party’s overall electoral strategy rather than geographical origin.
He said it was never easy to field an out-of-state candidate in a constituency.
That is why the state leadership carefully assesses the needs of each state before deciding on candidates.
“We have done this before in Kelantan and Pahang by changing candidates, and the party now knows how to deploy candidates beyond their home states,” he said.
He said Pas is also able to deploy experienced party workers and expertise to strengthen campaigns in other states.
“We strengthen the party’s agenda by putting the right people in the right places. That includes sharing expertise and mobilising our machinery wherever it is needed,” he said.
He said public sentiment, particularly among younger Malaysians, is increasingly favourable towards seeing Pas play a greater role at the federal level.
“God willing, the current mood among the people is that they want to see Pas govern at the federal level. This is not only among older voters but also among the younger generation.”
On Pas’ campaign strategy for the Johor election, Tuan Ibrahim said Perikatan Nasional will adopt a pragmatic approach by allowing its component parties to use their respective logos in the constituencies they contest.
He said Pas will use its own logo in the seats it contests, while Perikatan Nasional branding will be emphasised elsewhere to strengthen support for coalition candidates.
“It is not easy to ask Pas supporters to vote for the Barisan Nasional ‘dacing’ (scale). That is why we adopt a strategic approach in our campaign,” he said.
Under PN, Pas is contesting 11 seats, Bersatu 16, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party five, and Pejuang one. Parti Wawasan Negara and Gerakan are skipping the state polls.
Meanwhile, Johor Barisan Nasional and Pakatan will contest all 56 state seats.NST
