Mahdzir Says PN’s Political Wave No Longer as Strong as During GE15
PADANG TERAP: UMNO Kedah believes the political wave that once strongly favoured Perikatan Nasional (PN) during Malaysia’s 15th General Election (GE15) has weakened, as voter sentiment and political dynamics continue to evolve over time.
Kedah UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid acknowledged that PN enjoyed overwhelming support during GE15, particularly in Kedah, where the coalition achieved major electoral gains.
However, he stressed that political support is never permanent and no party should assume that public backing will remain unchanged indefinitely.
“During GE15, I admit the wave belonged to them. PN enjoyed strong support and UMNO lost a significant portion of its voters.
“But after more than three years, I do not believe that the entire wave still belongs to them. Politics changes and voters reassess their choices over time,” he told reporters after attending the Durian Fest @ Prospek Pedu 4.0 2026 programme at Bukit Langsat, Kampung Padang Setol, here today.
Mahdzir said every political party must understand that influence and popularity are temporary, as voters today are increasingly influenced by current issues and government performance.
“I believe they know where they stand, and we know where we stand as well.
“In politics, nobody can claim that support or victory will belong to them forever,” he said.
He was commenting on recent remarks by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md. Nor, who expressed confidence that PAS and PN could sweep all 36 state assembly seats in Kedah at the next election.
Muhammad Sanusi had also said the coalition was aiming to win all 15 parliamentary seats in the state, compared with the 14 it currently holds.
Mahdzir said such confidence is common among political leaders, especially as elections draw closer.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the final decision rests with voters, who will assess parties based on governance, current issues and their ability to address public concerns.
He also commented on Muhammad Sanusi’s often controversial remarks, describing them as part of the Menteri Besar’s well-known personality.
According to Mahdzir, the Jeneri assemblyman has maintained the same outspoken and sometimes provocative style since becoming Menteri Besar.
“The Menteri Besar has always spoken that way.
“People in Kedah are familiar with his style, whether he is talking to friends or political rivals,” he said.
Mahdzir added that while some of Muhammad Sanusi’s statements carry deeper messages, others are delivered spontaneously according to his personal views.
“In Kedah, people would say he has a rather sharp tongue.
“Sometimes he speaks diplomatically, but at other times he says things exactly as he sees them,” he added.
Despite their political differences, Mahdzir said differing opinions and approaches are normal in a democratic system, with voters ultimately deciding the future political direction of both Kedah and the country.
