GEORGE TOWN: PKR's Dr Joohari Ariffin, who was named as the candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6, fulfils the "winnable candidate" criteria for the unity government, according to political analysts.
This is despite his recent membership in the party.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)'s Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Joohari's local roots, educational background, and involvement with the religious movement ABIM, positioned him favourably against the Pas candidate.
"Maybe he fulfils the 'winnable candidate' criteria for Pakatan Harapan - unity government," he told the New Straits Times.
Sharing his sentiment was Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun, who said that PKR was counting on a fresh face with a more impressive academic background to hopefully wrest the seat back from Pas.
Yesterday, the unity government named the former educator as its candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
Co-chair of the unity government election machinery steering committee Rafizi Ramli, when announcing the candidacy, said the decision to field Joohari received blessings from all in the unity government.
However, both felt that the decision might not sit well with those who had been in the party and served long enough but not fielded.
Sivamurugan said even though some quarters might not feel so happy, as this is a by-election, they had moved beyond rank-and-file within party position.
"Joohari's chances of winning will depend on how the machineries are able to address local issues even though the opposition might use national issues, including the rationalisation of diesel subsidy and high cost of living
"Here the issues are mainly related to floods, water tariff, work opportunity and the increase of foreign workers," he added.
Sivamurugan believes that the focus should be on Sungai Bakap itself rather than Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor or any other issues.
"In fact, leaders who are considered a liability should not even come to Sungai Bakap to campaign," he said.
As for Pas, according to him, the Islamist party is defending the seat and would like to retain it to show as though the green wave is still intact.
"Both will have tough fights here and Malay voters, especially Umno members, could become the determining factor," he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Oh opined that Joohari's candidacy might not sit well with those who had been in the party for a long time.
"That is why they are counting on the help from other PH members and also Barisan Nasional.
"They have a long shot, as the winning margin last round was not high.
"But recent diesel subsidy cuts may not be in their favour," he said, adding that local issues typically featured prominently in state elections.
Oh also suggested that unity government leaders address practical local concerns, such as water issues, and clearly communicate the implications of diesel subsidy cuts, rather than focusing excessively on figures like Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
The Election Commission (EC) fixed July 6 for the Sungai Bakap by-election following the death of its assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.