COMMENT | A Nenggiri balm: Umno's by-election flip

COMMENT | Umno’s impressive 3,372 majority victory (or 22 percent of voters who cast their ballots) in the rural Kelantan state constituency of Nenggiri showcases that the party remains an electoral force.

As in the Malacca and Johor state elections of 2021 and 2022, a strategic campaign yielded results, especially when its opponent PAS was complacent.

Unlike in recent state and by-elections when Umno’s traditional base stayed home or even voted for PAS, in this election they returned to the Umno fold.

Fielding a younger candidate showcasing generational renewal, Umno was able to make significant inroads among younger voters.

A focus on the promise of development proved more persuasive than appeals to identity politics in a constituency where development concerns remain serious.

The campaign highlighted the weaknesses of Kelantan PAS in solving the...