PETALING JAYA: The positive image of Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari among the people will give him an edge over Datuk Seri Azmin Ali in the election, especially with the voters in Gombak determined to teach the mastermind behind the infamous Sheraton Move a lesson.

Local political analyst Associate Prof. Dr. Jeniri Amir said the voters would never forget what Azmin did to the Pakatan Harapan government and would use the coming election to teach him a dear lesson.

Jeniri told Sin Chew Daily Azmin’s public image and credibility had plunged significantly especially with his party Bersatu no longer the dominant force in the caretaker government, hence his reduced clout.

Jeniri was of the opinion that the race in Gombak was not much about a battle between two parties, but the contestants’ morality.

“From the political point of view, Amirudin’s image is largely intact, much better than Azmin’s. Very clean!”

Amirudin’s menteri besar status also is an advantage, and Gombak being in Selangor is still overwhelmingly supportive of Pakatan Harapan, said Jeniri, adding that in the country’s political history, it is not easy to take down a sitting menteri besar unless he is tainted with scandals or is underperforming.

“Amirudin has performed quite well. The fight is going to be very intense, but I feel he will win.”

Jeniri believes PKR has strategic considerations in mind before putting Amirudin — instead of Anwar Ibrahim — in Gombak.

This is to ensure that the party can win more seats.

“If Anwar were to be pitted against Azmin, I guarantee you Azmin will lose.”