KUALA LUMPUR: There could be an intense battle for power in Kedah between the newly-formed Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance versus the incumbent Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming state elections.
PKR deputy Information chief (1) Datuk R. Ramanan said the PH-BN pact is expected to defend the three states PH holds - Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, but the true fighting ground will be in Kedah.
He said a team led by PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has been mobilised to wrest Kedah from PN.
"Selangor will remain with us, and I am confident with Negri Sembilan especially with BN on our side. For Penang, too as they (PN) can continue to dream on.
"When it comes to the Chinese and Indian voters, I believe they are on our side. So the true challenge would be the Malay votes (in Kedah)," he said in a special interview session with the New Straits Times Press at Balai Berita here yesterday (July 3).
He said the 'antics' of caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor could work in the favour for PH-BN in the state election.
He said Sanusi was reprimanded on numerous occasions over his many controversial remarks, including when he insulted other races.
"I hope he loses what with him always shooting his mouth."
He also reminded his fellow comrades in the unity government not to be complacent with their current support in the six states, though it has been tipped that the PH and BN pact will comfortably hold on to Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan.
He said the pact must move forward to make more inroads in states such as Kelantan and Terengganu.
"With BN on our side, we are not that bad. I believe we can secure more seats in Kelantan and Terengganu.
"Remember that Terengganu was held by BN in the past. I do believe we are a force to be reckoned with."
Ramanan said PN has now moved on from racial politics and resorted to play religious politics in order to gain support for votes.
While labelling PN's ideology as disgraceful, he said there was no such religious politics before PN was established.
To this, he said PH and BN should not entertain the accusations made by PN against them and focus on the initiatives it can do for the people.
"We should not add fuel to the fire," he added.
The Election Commission (EC) will convene a special meeting tomorrow (July 5) to decide on the important dates for the upcoming elections in six states.
EC has received official notification of the dissolution of the 14th state legislative assemblies for the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan from the respective state assembly speakers.