A high voter turnout of at least 70 per cent is crucial, said Mr Zairil, adding that Penang has done well economically.
There are more than 1.2 million registered voters in Penang. Many are working outstation and overseas.
But the opposition coalition PN has claimed it is ahead of PH in its social media campaign and as a result, could read the pulse of young voters better.
Opposition MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan from Islamic party PAS said many first-time voters in Penang are not chasing material wealth, adding that “a big surprise is coming in this state election”.
Mr Fawwaz was hailed as a rural legend among some village folks in the mainland of Penang after defeating Ms Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of Mr Anwar, to wrest control of his stronghold of Permatang Pauh.
“We were the underdogs,” said Mr Fawwaz. “I was shocked when I won because this is the stronghold of (Mr Anwar’s party) PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat).”
Mr Anwar blamed the defeat on the opposition’s religious and racial-centric political narratives.