He said yesterday’s Penang PH convention was devoid of seat allocation announcements, which was surprising.
“PH has discussed allocation of seats for a very long time, but often hit a brick wall on its finalisation.
“By right, they could have announced the state seat allocation at the convention yesterday. Looks like they are haunted by the Negeri Sembilan incident,” Zainal told FMT.
On Jan 28, the Negeri PH convention descended into chaos after some 40 PPBM members objected to the pact’s seat distribution in the state for the 14th general election.
Chief among the protesting party’s grouses were that the seats allocated to them were difficult to win.
At Penang PH’s convention in Seberang Jaya yesterday, there was no announcement on how many state seats the parties would be getting.
Zainal said in comparison, Penang Umno never fought over seats and stuck to its “five parliament, 15 state seats” agreement with BN component parties.
“Even if they are changes, it would be one or two seats. But that is on a willing basis.
“BN has remained united for 44 years. Before that, the Alliance party was a uniting force for 17 years. But what about PH?
“With the latest fights, will it remain PH? Or are they planning to call themselves something else?”
‘Be prepared for three- or four-cornered fights in Penang’
Zainal said with PAS aiming to contest in 20 Penang state seats, he said the coming polls would see three- or four-cornered fights.
“Umno will contest in 15 Malay-majority seats. PAS’ Gagasan Sejahtera coalition will contest in five state seats with Malay majorities hovering over 35%.
“With Gagasan Sejahtera’s component parties also contesting, we must be prepared.
“BN must be prepared to face three- or four-cornered fights. Our election machinery is ever ready and our services to the people have been strong.
“We are confident we will overcome the opposition’s stranglehold on the state,” Zainal said.
Penang’s state seats are mostly held by Pakatan Harapan (with 29 seats), with DAP having 19 and PKR 10. Barisan Nasional holds 10 seats, most of them on the mainland, while PAS holds one seat at Permatang Pasir.