Political analysts believe former Umno leader Puad Zarkashi’s campaign in support of Pakatan Harapan candidate Yazid Bakri in Rengit may create some distraction for Barisan Nasional’s election machinery, but is unlikely to provide a significant electoral advantage for PH.
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Puad’s campaign could place some pressure on BN’s grassroots operations, particularly if his message gains traction among Umno members in the constituency.
He said a small number of Umno grassroots supporters could be influenced to back PH, while any new revelations made by Puad during the campaign might temporarily divert the attention of Umno’s election machinery.
However, Mazlan said the move was unlikely to have a meaningful impact on Umno’s overall electoral prospects.
Puad continues criticism of former party
Since announcing his resignation from Umno on June 25, Puad has repeatedly criticised the party, claiming it no longer has the autonomy to make its own decisions.
The former Rengit assemblyman also questioned BN’s selection of candidates for the July 11 Johor state election, including the decision to field former Bersatu assemblyman Alwiyah Talib in Endau.
On Saturday, Puad declared his support for PH candidate Yazid Bakri in Rengit, saying he was free to back any candidate as he was no longer a member of any political party. BN is fielding Zaidi Japar to defend the seat.
Puad also attended a PH campaign event that was attended by coalition chairman Anwar Ibrahim.
Analysts see little electoral effect
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said Puad’s public endorsement should not be viewed as a strategic breakthrough for PH in what has traditionally been regarded as an Umno stronghold.
He said the impact on voting patterns was likely to be minimal, arguing that voters today make independent decisions rather than relying on endorsements from political figures.
According to Zaharuddin, voters are increasingly evaluating candidates based on their own merits, making it unlikely that Puad’s endorsement will trigger broader support for PH.
He said the move was unlikely to develop into a larger political wave during the election campaign.
