Opposition optimistic of retaining Selangor in event of snap polls

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leaders have urged party members to prepare themselves for the possibility of a snap election, but expressed optimism of retaining Selangor.
Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad earlier today suggested that Selangor would fall to Barisan Nasional (BN) if a snap election is held, due to opposition squabbles, with speculation rife that one could happen following BN's landslide victories in the recent by-elections.
PKR vice-president and national election director Nurul Izzah Anwar (pix) was optimistic the opposition could hold on to the state, as long as they could convince the rakyat to support them and avoid a three-cornered fight such as in the by-elections.
"There is no harm in adopting a cautious approach especially in facing the federal government.
"Nonetheless, I believe in the wisdom of the electorate and insofar as they remain convinced to the performance of PKR-led Selangor, and that efforts are being made to ensure straight fights against BN, we have a chance at retaining our win," she told theSun when contacted today.
PAS vice president Idris Ahmad also agreed that the opposition would hold the upperhand if they could avoid any disagreement on seat allocations.
"So far, we have all agreed not to contest against each other for the same seat to avoid a three-cornered fight. If it is a straight fight, we can win," he said.
Meanwhile, Parti Amanah Negara secretary-general Mohd Anuar Mohd Tahir has warned BN against being complacent, saying that the by-elections should not be made an indicator of what the result would be like in the general election.