KUALA LUMPUR: The "green wave" seen in previous elections has reached its peak and is subsiding in the Sungai Bakap by-election, says Ilham Centre in their complete election poll.
Citing a calmer mood compared with previous general and state elections, the independent research firm found that voters were more interested in local issues, especially water supply disruptions.
"The diesel subsidy rationalisation and BlackRock issues, for example, have not exploded completely in Sungai Bakap", said the report.
However, Ilham Centre concluded that the by-election — contested by PKR and Pas candidates from the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) unity government and opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, respectively — would still be highly competitive even as voters were cooling down on fiery rhetoric.
When Sungai Bakap voters were interviewed, which comprised a mix of urban and rural populations, most expressed support for PH-BN candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin.
Joohari, an educator, was well-regarded for his academic qualifications and connections with locals.
While the centre noted that PN's support amongst young voters remained strong, it was less intense than before.
As for PH-BN, even though Chinese voters were described as a "fixed deposit" for the coalition, some were showing signs of apathy due to dissatisfaction with government policies. The apathy, however, was not shared by Indian voters, who were seen actively participating in the campaign.
Nevertheless, voter turnout was expected to be lower than in past elections.
Ilham Centre noted that with tomorrow's by-election, Sungai Bakap constituents would have voted three times in one electoral term within the past two-and-a-half years.
The by-election was triggered by the death of incumbent assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff from stomach complications in May.
Ilham Centre began their field study last month as PH-BN and PN kicked off their campaigning in the district.
Tomorrow, residents of Sungai Bakap will cast their ballot to elect their new representative.