The political perception and voting trend in the state assembly area of Permatang Pasir, Pulau Pinang

The Permatang Pasir by-election was, held following the death of the PAS Assemblyman. The Election Commission (EC) has set nomination day on August 17 while the polling day was on 25 August. Eight polling stations of eight schools involving 39 voting channels open on polling day. The study showed that 60 percent of respondents said the policy carried out by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) State Government of Pulau Pinang to give benefit the non-Malays and 81 percent said the DAP is playing a role in state policy decisions. From the perspective of the expected election results, 60 percent of respondents said PAS would retain the victory in Permatang Pasir. PAS was able to maintain the winning through Mohd. Salleh Man who beat Rohaizat Othman, with the majority of 4,551 votes. The factor of PAS success to maintain the victory in Permatang Pasir by-election was this areas was the stronghold of the opposition of the PKR adviser (Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim – the member Parliament of Permatang Pauh) and the issue of BN candidate credibility played by the speakers of parties in Pakatan Rakyat.