Challenges awaiting PH-BN at state polls should not be underestimated, says Tok Mat

The challenges that await Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) at the upcoming state elections in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu should not be underestimated, says Mohamad Hasan.

The BN deputy chairman said while they were confident of retaining the states currently under PH, namely Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan through BN's cooperation, the current political dynamics demanded hard work by all parties to ensure victory. 

Using the analogy of a football match that features different strategies for different matches, Mohamad, who is also Umno deputy president, said the same thing applied to politics.

“During the 15th general election, the approach and strategies were different, and in these six state elections, we need yet another approach because the challenges are also different.

"In Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, we may not have a problem retaining power. In Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, however, although we have a chance of winning, we have to work harder to succeed, or at least increase the number of our seats there," he told Bernama.

Mohamad, who is also the defence minister, called on all parties to campaign maturely and avoid engaging in unhealthy politics throughout the campaign period.

"If, during the campaign, we keep exposing our weaknesses, it is feared that potential foreign investors would hesitate. We need those investments to create more job opportunities and help boost the country's economy," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad who will be fielded as a BN candidate for his old seat of Rantau in Negeri Sembilan, said the fact that he had been the elected representative for the Rantau constituency for four terms since 2004 was not a ticket for him to take it easy.

"Each election has its own challenges, I cannot take these lightly. I still have to work hard to ensure victory," the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar said.

Elections in these six states will be held alongside the Kuala Terengganu by-election on Aug 12.