A number of Chinese voters approached by FMT say they are not fully convinced as campaigning enters its third day, and that the ruling coalition has a 50-50 chance of getting their support.

One voter who wanted to be known as Kong said it would not be easy for PH to win the Chinese votes as some are upset with the government.

“It’s difficult to be the government as the opposition is also playing its part to get the votes,” he said, adding that some Chinese voters have been influenced by pro-opposition posts on social media.

The 66-year-old said that Chinese voters were now wise in evaluating their options, unlike in the 1960s or 70s.

“It’s up to them (the parties) how they want to convince the Chinese.”

The Tanjung Piai parliamentary constituency has 53,528 voters, 57% of whom are Malay, 42% Chinese and 1% Indian.

The by-election will see a six-way fight between Karmaine Sardini (PH), Wee Jeck Seng (Barisan Nasional), Wendy Subramaniam (Gerakan), Badhrulhisham Abdul Aziz (Berjasa) and independent candidates Ang Chuan Lock and Faridah Aryani Abdul Ghaffar.

Another Chinese voter, Jerry, said older voters were easily swayed by the opposition.

“There are voters who are hurt and upset that PH has not fulfilled its manifesto (promises),” the 48-year-old added.

Nonetheless, Jerry said he believes in PH, adding that it needs time to fix the “damaged” government.

He said the government should be firm and not allow too much media freedom to the point that it comes under pressure.

“The media has an important role in not playing up racial issues which lead to friction among the Malays, Chinese and Indians,” he said.

Another voter who called himself Ong said he could still accept PH, agreeing however that older Chinese voters were easily influenced by the opposition.

“There’s a lot on social media, but the older voters don’t have social media. I think they are influenced by pro-BN newspapers,” he said.