00:00Why do the Negeri Semelan polls matter?
00:02While both the PM and the police have won candidates against bringing up adat or royalty issues during the campaign,
00:10the matter remains the elephant in the room.
00:13Beyond the royal issue, the polls are also being watched as a barometer for the Malani government.
00:20Unlike the 2023 state election, where Pakatan Harapan and Barisan National campaign as allies,
00:26the two coalitions are now facing off each other.
00:29After its thrashing in Johor, Pakatan is under pressure to hold on to Negeri Semelan.
00:34At the same time, the understanding between Barisan National and Perikatan in this poll has also complicated the contest.
00:43Meanwhile, PAS and Bersatu in Perikatan are almost certain to part ways.
00:48Analysts are also watching if the Negeri Semelan polls could lead to the unity government unravelling.
00:52But Pakatan leaders, including the Prime Minister, have been careful to remind ministers and deputies
00:58not to hit out at their opponents, who are also their partners in the federal government.
01:03However, ordinary voters are probably more concerned about bread and butter issues.
01:08With many Negeri Semelan residents commuting daily into Kuala Lumpur and Selangor for work,
01:14issues such as public transport and traffic jams are bound to figure largely in their consideration.
01:20Rapid development in places like Nilai and Seremban have also pushed up house prices,
01:26making affordability another concern.
01:29Negeri Semelan has benefited enormously from spillover of federal projects
01:33due to its proximity to KLIA and Klang Valley, such as ECRL.
01:39Last year, it recorded its highest ever investment,
01:43totaling RM19.1 billion through 295 approved projects.
01:50While the results may reshape the political landscape,
01:54voters will ultimately decide whether their everyday concerns have been addressed.
02:04You
Comments