The 61-year-old engineer remains confident in taking on Wong, a political secretary to BN chairman Najib Razak, to wrest Alor Gajah from BN’s hands after 44 years.
Having a challenger from PAS (Mohammad Nazree Mohammad Aris) would complicate matters in Malay-majority Alor Gajah, he said, but he believes the battle is a two-horse race between Wong and himself.
“I respect PAS, but here in Alor Gajah I don’t think they have strong support, and I believe people here just want change at the federal level,” he told FMT after a Pakatan Harapan ceramah in Bukit Katil on Friday night.
“Alor Gajah people are unhappy about the rising costs of living and the poor management of the country’s resources.”
He was surprised to learn that even older Malay voters, traditionally BN supporters, were well aware of national issues and were unhappy. Many in Alor Gajah expressed support for PH’s plan to abolish the goods and services tax (GST).
He said another positive factor was the presence of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad. “Just look at the response and the crowd that follows Mahathir. Everywhere he goes, there is a sea of people,” he said.
People had more confidence that the opposition front was viable, because they knew Mahathir could solve the nation’s problems.
While confident of taking Alor Gajah, Redzuan was uncertain about Pakatan’s chances of winning Melaka, which has traditionally been a BN stronghold.
Alor Gajah is home to over 70,000 voters, with Malays making up 68% of voters, Chinese 28% and Indians 4%. In the 2013 general election, MCA’s Koh Nai Kwong beat DAP’s Damian Yeo by 11,597 votes.
Click here to get live updates throughout the GE14 season
PPBM, Amanah to lead Pakatan’s charge in Melaka’s Malay areas