SEMENYIH, Feb 9 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia will make Malay suspicion of Pakatan Harapan a core campaign issue in the Semenyih by-election in the face of the race politics expected from rivals, Umno and PAS.

Its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Semenyih will be the testing ground for PPBM to convince Malay voters of the new government’s commitment in protecting Bumiputera interest, even as it rolls out policies deemed pro-minority.

“We must pay extra attention to explaining our policies,” he told a press conference here after meeting grassroots leaders and party workers.

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“We have to listen and explain the many issues raised by the Opposition pertaining to the Malays and Islam, as if PH thinks little of it.

“These are lies.”

Muhyiddin’s statement underscores the tone expected of the Semenyih state seat by-election, where Malays form close to 70 per cent of the electorate.

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There is anticipation that both sides may ramp up the race rhetoric, more so from the Barisan Nasional-PAS camp which was said to have deployed similar tactics with great effect to win the Cameron Highlands by-election just last month.

Muhyiddin admitted today that PPBM’s ties with the DAP may pose a problem, and that his party would need to convince Semenyih’s Malay voters that their predominantly Chinese ally is also committed to safeguarding Bumiputera interests.

“Our position in Pakatan and ties with the DAP will be an issue, since there are allegations that they don’t support our struggle and so on,” he said.

“But this is something the opposition exploit to create animosity, but we will explain.”

But as the incumbent, Muhyiddin said the challenge may not be as tough.

PH has governed Selangor for the third consecutive term, and voters know electing PPBM will give them access to state resources.

Muhyiddin said addressing local issues such as traffic congestion, floods, access to healthcare and welfare assistance will be crucial to winning support.

The Semenyih by-election was called following the death of its representative, PPBM’s Bakhtiar Mohd Nor.

He defeated Umno’s Johan Abd Aziz with close to 9,000 majority votes.