The Kluang MP said some voters who supported Umno in the 2013 general election were shifting to PH due to disapproval towards Umno and Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is its chairman.
“There will also be some who voted for PAS in the last election switching to PH due to their disagreement with the idea of PAS cooperating with Umno when its leader Najib is burdened with the country’s worst scandal,” he said, referring to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issue.
He also cited economic factors, such as the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), the depreciation of the ringgit and the removal of subsidies, as affecting Malaysians in their choice at the ballot box.
In a statement issued after his speech at a Johor DAP election workshop in Batu Pahat today, Liew said the notion that three-cornered fights would benefit Umno and BN was a cliché.
He said such a contest would benefit them if PH was weak and purposeless.
“But PH is a strong and attractive alternative government catering for those who are against Najib’s kleptocratic rule and those who wish to see a fresh start for Malaysia.
“Both Umno and PAS would be only left with their most hardcore supporters, with the rest swinging to PH.”
He said PH needed to provide clarity to voters to differentiate it from Najib-led Umno and PAS.
He said it was necessary to explain that a vote for PAS would be a vote for Najib.
“Even PAS supporters could be convinced if they realise their beloved leaders are now colluding with Najib to do more damage to the country,” he said.
Liew also said Najib and the 1MDB issue had caused splits in Umno, resulting in the sackings of deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Shafie Apdal from the party and the federal cabinet in July 2015. This would affect voters.
Muhyiddin later went on to help form PPBM and Shafie, Parti Warisan Sabah to challenge the BN.