New political party a proxy to split votes, say analysts

 

Political analysts say a new party reportedly being set up will only serve to split opposition votes.

PETALING JAYA: A new political party linked to a top political leader is likely to be a proxy aimed at putting the opposition at a disadvantage by splitting election votes, say political analysts.

Awang Azman Pawi.

Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Awang Azman Pawi said the new party “is seen as a proxy to certain figures in power to split the votes of the opposition or pro-opposition independent candidates”.

He said he knew of the people behind the new party but declined to reveal more. He said the party will find it a challenge to compete with the likes of Muda and Pejuang, let alone Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional or Perikatan Nasional.

News of the new party was reported recently by the Malaysian Insight which said the party would be headed by a close relative of a top leader, who used to be a student activist. Several independent lawmakers are expected to join the party, which will not be part of Pakatan Harapan.

Awang Azman said: “I believe this party will be more BN and PN friendly though not necessarily supportive of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and those aligned to him.”

Oh Ei Sun.

Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said the new party, like other so-called independents or small parties, was a ploy by those in power to split opposition votes.

“Such smaller parties serve a very specific purpose, to confuse and confound progressive voters who are dissatisfied with those in power into voting for them instead of genuine opposition. When I say small parties, I’m not referring to Pejuang, Muda or Warisan which appear to be more sincere in their political struggles,” said Oh. - FMT