Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has a decent chance of being re-elected at the next general election if both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan field candidates, says an analyst.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Syed Saddiq could retain the seat if votes are split between BN and PH. He said Muar had traditionally been regarded as an Umno seat, and there could be voter dissatisfaction if PH were to field a candidate.
However, James Chin of the University of Tasmania argues that PKR is well-positioned to win Muar if it contests against Syed Saddiq. “He was supported by PKR‘s people last time. It’s realistic that they would win the seat,” he said.
Chin said Syed Saddiq’s support base was not as secure as it seemed, given the substantial number of Chinese voters in Muar. “The Chinese will deliver their votes to PKR and DAP,” he said.
Chin said Muda would also struggle to remain relevant in a three-cornered fight. “If PKR contests, Muda will not stand a chance. It will be basically PKR versus Perikatan Nasional.”
“History has shown the last 30 to 40 years in Malaysia that there is no such thing as a third force. People try, but it’s never been successful,” he said.
Johor PKR had recently announced its intention to contest the Muar, Pagoh and Mersing parliamentary seats, with state PKR chief Dr Zaliha Mustafa singling out Muar as a seat with high winning potential. She said PKR was confident of securing support from voters.
Syed Saddiq won in Muar in 2018 on a PKR ticket while still a member of Bersatu. He retained the seat in 2022 under the Muda banner when the party contested alongside PH.
He quit the government bloc in 2023 to join the opposition, citing disappointment with the pace of reforms by the unity government.
