24-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The state elections in six Malaysian states on August 12 will serve as an important gauge of support for both Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s fragile unity government and the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition led by Muhyiddin Yassin.
The stakes could not be higher. PN currently controls Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, while Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance governs Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang.
Both Anwar and Muhyiddin have much riding on the outcome. Anwar’s unity government, comprising rival coalitions, could fall apart without a strong showing. Meanwhile, Muhyiddin faces mounting legal challenges that threaten his leadership of PN.
The former prime minister has been charged with corruption and money laundering related to COVID-19 stimulus funds. He is also being sued for defamation by Anwar ally Lim Guan Eng.
Within PN, secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin is viewed as a potential successor should Muhyiddin make a serious blunder.
Yet despite his legal woes, many underestimate Muhyiddin. His decades of experience and wide network allow him to effectively maneuver Malaysian politics.
To maximize its chances, PN needs to replicate its strong performance among Malays in the 2018 election. Securing the “Malay vote” is key.
Even small gains or holding ground would boost Muhyiddin’s leadership prospects and possibly pave the way for a return as prime minister.
The results will also show if Anwar’s government has the stability to see out its full five-year term until the next election scheduled by 2027.
While Muhyiddin said 2018 would be his last contest, he reportedly still desires to be prime minister. How he navigates the coming years could determine what role, if any, he plays post-election.
For now, PN controls three states and PH three. But everything – from Muhyiddin’s political survival to Anwar’s government longevity – hangs in the balance as Malaysians head to the polls on August 12.
The outcome will shed light on whether political unity is possible under Anwar’s fragile government, and reveal how potent a threat Muhyiddin’s PN remains. For Malaysian democracy, much hinges on the verdict delivered by these pivotal state elections.
