A Permatang Lesson for All

AUG 27 — The fact PAS won the Permatang Pasir with a the by-election with a thumping majority of 4,551 was never in doubt. Studies show that PAS Malay voters fell by 3% but the Chinese voters increased by 6% up from 71% to 77% from last year's general election.

In the run-up, the Umno-linked Utusan Malaysia newspaper had repeatedly called on the Malays to rise up as they were losing political power. UMNO's race related rhetorics has further alienated more Chinese to vote for PAS.Then there is the death in custody of opposition aide Teoh Beng Hock which is still fresh in the minds of many, Chinese or not!