PETALING JAYA: Unlike other commentators who think Perikatan Nasional (PN) will win Kedah in the state election, Prof Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani of Universiti Utara Malaysia feels that PN may find it hard to hold on to Kedah.

The Politics and International Relations Professor at UUM said, “Currently I will not say it’s a sure win for PN. This is because I know politics change very fast.

“I would like to say that Kedah is a swing state. Since 2008 it has been changing governments.

“I will not be surprised if Pakatan Harapan and Umno win big this time,” Dr. Mohd Azizuddin said during the Election Talk Live organized by Sin Chew Daily and Pocketimes.

On the impact of the “green wave” emerging in last November’s general election, Azizuddin said it was not due to a powerful PAS but a weakened Umno that had led many disappointed BN supporters to give up or turn to PN.

“It is hard to say whether PN will win Kedah easily this time.

“Even if they win, it is not going to be an easy battle for them,” he said.

Azizuddin went on to explain that the central leadership of parties had changed, and PH and BN had formed the Unity Government which motivated local leaders who supported the Unity Government.

“The unity, stable government and a progressive economic concept brought by the Unity Government are boosting the economy.

“I am of the view that the locals, especially the Chinese, Siamese and Indian communities will support the unity government,” he asserted.

The only issue left is whether the Malays in Kedah will continue to support PN.

There are many factors which will affect their decision, said Azizuddin.

“They know that in order to improve the economy in the state, they will need the support from the federal government.

“But the relationship between Kedah state government and the federal government is not good due to the dispute between Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The Kedah people may see this as an opportunity for the unity government,” he said.

Sanusi, the caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar, may be a setback for PN due to his image as a joker with a big mouth.

“Why is Sanusi so popular? He is like a comedian. He can joke and is popular due to the controversial remarks that make people laugh.

“He has created many disputes that earn him the support of many, especially young people.

“Those below 35 years old may like him a lot but those older will find him crude,” he explained.

Prof Dr. Mohd Azizuddin said such a scenario could be one factor that causes PN to lose Kedah because some PN supporters may not like Sanusi.

“You might have noticed that PAS has yet to decide on making Sanusi its poster boy in Kedah. I think Sanusi’s case may be creating some problems. PAS has delayed its announcement that Sanusi is the poster boy or the next Menteri Besar for Kedah,” he said.

The series of disputes between PAS and Gerakan on the Bayan Lepas state seat not only strained the ties of the two sides but may undercut PN in the state elections.

“The way PAS treated Dominic Lau in Sungai Dua has strained the relationship. The same is happening in Kedah,” he added.

After the internal feud in Penang, Azizuddin sees that the members of these two parties will find it hard to support each other.

PH and BN are poised to benefit from the squabble between PAS and Gerakan.

“Under such circumstances, people do not actually see PN can form a state government in Penang.

And Azizuddin does not see Gerakan winning any seat in Penang.

“In Bayan Lepas state seat, the PH candidate is the incumbent. I think PN will find it hard to win even without the incident,” he concluded.