Bersatu’s internal political turmoil may result in court intervention to determine the validity of seats held by seven MPs who disobeyed instructions. Analysts suggest that this legal route would be lengthy, potentially taking two years to reach a resolution. However, even if the seats were declared vacant, no by-elections would be required due to the proximity of the next general election in December 2027. Instead of by-elections, the government could appoint coordinators for the vacant seats.
In the hypothetical scenario of by-elections, it is predicted that Perikatan Nasional (PN) would likely retain the Jeli and Gua Musang seats in Kelantan but may lose the Labuan seat in Sabah. The East Coast states are seen as strongholds for PN, but other seats like Kuala Kangsar, Bukit Gantang, and Tanjong Karang could see competitive races. Recent voter trends and swings in support towards the unity government suggest that there may be belief in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership.
Wong Chin Huat, a political analyst, asserts that the disobeying Bersatu members have effectively ceased to be part of the party and, by extension, PN. This could necessitate by-elections for five federal parliamentary seats and an assembly seat. However, some seats may not require by-elections as the representatives were elected under the PAS banner, not Bersatu. This technicality raises questions about the application of anti-party hopping laws and the future implications for the political landscape.
The potential by-elections could exacerbate rifts within PN, especially if PAS demands to contest seats that were previously held by Bersatu members. PAS’s assertion that they may vie for these seats instead of Bersatu raises concerns about loyalty and camaraderie within the coalition. Dr. Mazlan highlights the importance of maintaining unity and avoiding actions that could sow discord within the political alliance. The implications of these internal conflicts and power struggles could have broader repercussions on governance and stability in Malaysia.
UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement indicating BN’s readiness to contest the vacated seats further complicates the political landscape. BN’s historical claim to these seats adds another layer of complexity to an already turbulent situation. Amidst these political maneuvers and power plays, the fate of the by-elections and the representation of constituents remain uncertain. The evolving dynamics within PN and its component parties add uncertainty to the future direction of Malaysian politics and governance.
The possibility of by-elections and the legal challenges surrounding the Bersatu MPs’ status underscore the fragility of political allegiances and party structures in Malaysia. As various stakeholders position themselves for potential electoral contests, the priorities of governance and service to the people may be overshadowed by political machinations. The outcomes of these deliberations and decisions will have far-reaching implications for Malaysia’s political landscape and the effectiveness of its governance structures in the years to come. It remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future trajectory of Malaysian politics and the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
