Unity govt squabbles could boost PN’s poll chances, say analysts

MCA said last week it would sit out the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election if the unity government’s candidate does not come from Barisan Nasional. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Political analysts say Perikatan Nasional is likely to benefit from the current discord between MCA and its coalition partners in the coming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said MCA’s decision to abstain from campaigning lends an image of a disunited unity government camp.

“Such an impression is not good for the morale of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional supporters, and may discourage BN voters from throwing their support behind their candidate,” he told FMT.

Fauzi added that these public disagreements could jeopardise the unity government’s stability in the run-up to the 16th general election, if they remain unresolved.

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid.

“PH should be worried that MCA could so openly express its refusal. Couldn’t such matters have been concealed from the public, even if just to convey messages of apparent unity in the wake of an upcoming by-election?

“Such blatant disregard for unity augurs ill for long-term collaboration between PH and BN.”

On Tuesday, PN election director Sanusi Nor said MCA’s decision not to campaign will benefit the coalition, and that PN is prepared to capitalise on the rift between MCA and PH in the lead-up to the May 11 by-election.

Oh Ei Sun.

Last week, MCA said it would sit out the polls if the unity government’s candidate does not come from BN.

Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said Kuala Kubu Baharu is likely to be a very close election. “Even the handful of votes that MCA might contribute becomes critical,” he said.

Azmi Hassan.

However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said MCA’s absence would have very little impact on non-Malay voters.

“MCA’s influence within both BN and the broader national political scene is minimal, offering PN slight leverage, but not enough to sway the election results,” said Azmi.