According to Kelantan DAP chief Azaha Abdul Rani, the party has enjoyed consistent support from the Orang Asli community in Nenggiri.

Azaha said several top party leaders will hit the campaign trail for the Aug 17 by-election, although the list of leaders had not been finalised yet.

“For the other races, especially the Malays, we will leave it to Amanah, PKR and Umno to canvas for their support,” he told FMT.

He said the DAP machinery will largely focus on campaigning in five Orang Asli areas – Tohoi, Sungai Puian, Sungai Jenera, Sungai Wias and Pos Simpor.

BN has named Kelantan Umno Youth chief Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani as its candidate for the by-election.

The by-election was called after the seat was declared vacant, following the cessation of Azizi Abu Naim’s Bersatu membership on June 13.

Azaha claimed that the Malays in Kelantan were no longer as averse to DAP as before, thanks to the party’s previous alliance with PAS under Pakatan Rakyat, and its current partnership with Umno in the unity government.

“The Malays started to accept DAP when we worked with PAS under Pakatan Rakyat, and then when we formed PH with Amanah and PKR.

“And now, in the unity government, DAP is with Umno,” he said.

He also said the Kelantan DAP chapter, which was only formed in recent years, was established by Malay members, reflecting the party’s growing acceptance among the local residents.

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim was made the pro tem Kelantan DAP chief in January 2020. He has since left the party and rejoined Umno.