KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s support for Pakatan Harapan(PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates during nominations on Saturday reflects the stability, solidity and credibility of the unity government, said political analysts.
Analyst Prof Datuk Nasrudin Mohammed said this is because the presence and participation of leaders from the Borneo region signals that the six state elections are highly significant, especially in terms of recognition and acceptance of the unity government by the people.
“Their presence represents crucial components in the country’s political system. This is a macro-level view that shows the interdependence of state governments for the stability of the country.
“At the state level, this aspect may not be viewed critically by the voters, but from the government’s perspective, it is crucial in determining the overall wellbeing and stability of Malaysia,” he told Bernama.
At Saturday’s nominations, Abang Johari, who is chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), and Hajiji, chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in accompanying unity government candidates to nomination centres around Selangor, proving their undivided support.
Another political analyst, Prof Sivamurugan Pandian, said that the presence of both leaders can set aside any suspicion of political manoeuvres by certain parties against the positions of GPS and GRS in the unity government.
“Their presence has at least provided moral support to the campaign here, even though politics in Peninsular Malaysia differ from that in Bornean states. The signal is clear – they continue to support the government led by Anwar and are not with the opposition in these state elections.
“At the same time, the presence of Hajiji and Abang Johari may aim at preventing the perception of uncertainty or instability as (the Anwar administration’s) 148-seat majority is crucial for the country’s political stability,” he said.
Elections in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as the Kuala Terengganu by-election, are set for August 12. Early voting is on August 8.
— Bernama
