NAJIB'S NECK ON THE LINE: Can Umno retain its Rompin stronghold?

ROMPIN - The vigorous campaigning that took place for the Rompin parliamentary by-election for two weeks will end tonight.

The by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional (BN)’s Datuk Hasan Arifin and PAS candidate Ustaz Nazri Ahmad after the incumbent, the late Tan Sri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, was killed in a helicopter crash on April 4.

During the campaign period, BN’s machinery began by moving aggressively, approaching people through various programmes in addition to garnering the support from the central leadership.

However, the question still remains on how far BN has come in convincing Rompin constituents of its rule over the past 25 years.

According to a source, BN has a chance to maintain the parliamentary seat, albeit with a lesser majority, at about 65% instead of 85% of the majority vote gained during the 13th General Election, due to several factors.

The source, who declined to be identified, said some of the factors included the sentiments involving the issues concerning the Goods and Services Tax (GST), outside voter sentiments and sentiments of Orang Asli.

“Although the Rompin populace are not easily swayed by the Opposition, voters here see BN leaders as still struggling or panicky when talking about the GST issue.

“For example, look at the issue of mobile prepaid cards where the Customs Department and the Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission were contradictory in their stance.

“Not to mention the increased price of goods with complaints failed to be addressed. This causes uneasiness and disgust among the people towards BN leaders.

“It is understood that BN needs 6,000 out of 15,000 outside voters.

“These voters are exposed to the pressures of socio-economic life in cities like Johor Baru and Kuala Lumpur. There is also plenty of social media exposure for them to access the Opposition’s information,” the source told The Rakyat Post, today.

BN stands a good chance of winning but 'sentiments' will reduce its majority in Rompin, says a source.

Additionally, the Orang Asli sentiment should always be addressed as their land issue has yet to be resolved.

“The Orang Asli are really honest and loyal but today it does not mean they are still bound by the same principles. They are standing up for their ancestral land, where they currently reside.

“Our feedback is that they continue to voice out their frustrations over the land issue, although BN does take care of their welfare in the region.”

The source added, due to the impact of such sentiments, the Orang Asli felt that they need not go out to vote as BN could win in Rompin.

He explained further that no matter how great BN’s campaigning was, it still did not appeal to the hearts of voters as the coalition is too absorbed with development without touching on the economic reality of the constituents.

Unlike PAS, which knew its candidate would lose, the source said, the Islamic party remained committed to reaching out to voters with the slogan, “Reject GST, Vote PAS”.

“However, the internal crisis in PAS is also expected to affect their supporters.

“BN does fear if its majority is lessened compared with the last GE, let alone with three more years to get to the 14th General Election.

“Clear evidence is seen when throughout the campaign, BN has always reiterated and appealed to the Rompin population to come out and vote. This is a ‘hint’ for them,” he said.

Given the choice of the BN candidate, Hasan was seen as appropriate and acceptable to the population here, an advantage to BN in ensuring Rompin to remain in its hands, said the source. - Therakyatpost