SEMENYIH, May 2 — The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is confident that it can secure a prized catch by winning back Selangor in the upcoming general election, said its state chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar today, as he pledged tore to build more affordable homes for residents if BN wins.

Speaking at the launch of an affordable home project, he also took a swipe at the Opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) state government for neglecting the needs of the state’s lowest income earners, defined as the "B40”, or the bottom 40 per cent.

"Our chances (of winning back Selangor) is high and I am confident come May 9, BN can form a state government in Selangor,” the federal minister of urban wellbeing, housing and local government said in response to a question from TODAY.

"I’ve seen the response from the people, it is better now compared to the 2013 general election. Even the Chinese community have warmed up to us.”

Another reason for BN’s optimism is that 53 out of 56 state seats will see multi cornered fights in the May 9 polls.

"The multi cornered fights will also benefit us”, said Nor, referring to the widespread belief that such contests will split Opposition votes.

BN lost Selangor, Malaysia’s richest state, to the Opposition in the 2008 general election and failed to regain it in the 2013 poll, winning 12 out of 54 seats in the state legislative assembly.

BN leaders have vowed to win back the state, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak saying in March that it cannot let Selangor "pass for the third time”.

"We must embolden our ambition and give the utmost focus in order for us to win the state,” added Najib.

The BN chairman lent support to Nor’s quest today by hitting the campaign trail in the state, promising Selangor voters that BN would solve the state’s water troubles if it is voted back into power.

Najib noted that problems with the state’s water supply and the restructuring of the utility services have dragged on for the "longest time” as the state and federal governments were different.

"I, therefore, promise that if we win, if you give BN your support this time, the water issue in Selangor will be resolved once and for all,” he said during a working visit to the state, accompanied by Noh and other BN candidates.

During his visit, Najib also said that the Kuala Selangor federal ward will have its own hospital soon and promised to consider a request by BN’s incumbent Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim for a MARA Junior Science College to be built in in the ward.

BN has focussed its attack on the PH state government over its handling of water supply, which most recently saw a week-long disruption across the state.

Speaking at the press conference, Nor said that besides the state’s water woes, residents also have had to put up with haphazard garbage collection, leading to a spike in dengue cases and general lack of cleanliness along the streets and neighbourhoods.

"All these years we have built a nice house and suddenly someone comes to take over our abode. The house may look good on the outside but inside, it’s all falling apart,” he said, calling on voters to give BN a chance on polling day.

"If we win, we will build more affordable homes for the people,” he added.

Noh later shared pictures of Najib’s working visit on his Facebook page, saying BN’s principle is to offer proven leadership to the people.

"Our candidates are those with proven track record and are always close to the people,” he wrote.

"Trust us, BN will bring better changes for the people of Selangor. #BetterSelangor.” — TODAY