Sociopolitical analyst Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said Ras Adiba, a former newscaster and senator, may be known at national level but not among rural folk.

“Although she’s a (former) Bernama chairman, rural folk don’t know her, they are more familiar with local figures,” he told FMT. Ras Adiba left the national news agency quietly in March, just over two years after she was appointed.

Awang Azman said it is normal for any political party to attract popular figures to score extra points by getting a familiar face, but rural folk need someone to whom they can relate about local issues.

Even if Ras Adiba is fielded, she would not make an impact because other candidates, though not well-known nationally, may have a mass following in their particular state.

Ras Adiba, who joined Bersatu on Sunday, said she had done so not to run as a candidate, but more to help ensure PN formed state governments.

Ras Adiba, who has been wheelchair bound since a skiing accident, has long been a champion for the disabled community. Last month she was presented with an award by Wanita Umno for her efforts.

However, lecturer Lau Zhe Wei of the International Islamic University Malaysia said issues such as the disability rights and the environment would not attract votes.

“No matter which party you join to fight for the disabled community, we have to be realistic that this is still not prevalent in Malaysia, you can’t rely on this kind of issue to gain more votes,” he said.

Lau said local voters are more interested in ethnic, religious and economic issues.