Political storm: How PN shifted the balance of power in the states

The powerful winds that blew Pakatan Harapan out of Putrajaya and ushered in Perikatan Nasional (PN) have also swept away several state governments.

After Bersatu and a string of assemblypersons changed allegiances, three states saw a new government while the compositions of six state governments changed. The balance of power in four other states remain largely unchanged at the time of writing.

As a result, PN and ally GPS now hold eight states while Harapan and Warisan have five.

Below is an overview of the changes observed in all 13 state governments since PN came into federal power. This article will be updated as and when needed.

Change in state governments

Johor (PN)

This was the first state to change hands. The new Johor government was declared four days after the “Sheraton Move” on Feb 23. Named after the luxury hotel where PN was birthed, the move triggered a slew of defections and led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan federal government.

Significant is the ever-changing allegiance of Pemanis assemblyperson Dr Chong Fat Full. As the Sheraton Move unfolded, Chong, a PKR member, first swore allegiance to PN, then Harapan and finally PN again, all in a matter of days.

He is now part of new Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad’s executive council (exco).

The PN state government presently has a slim one-seat majority in the 56-seat legislative assembly.

Perak (PN)

When the new PN state government was announced, it was revealed that two assemblypersons - PKR’s Abdul Yunus Jamahri (Kuala Kurau) and independent Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi (Tualang Sekah) - had jumped ship to Bersatu.

This was followed by three more defections from Harapan. DAP’s Paul Yong (Tronoh), A Sivasubramaniam (Buntong) and Amanah’s Hasnul Zulkarnain Abd Munaim (Titi Serong) - all quit their parties to back the new coalition.

PN now has 35 seats in the 59-seat legislative assembly. Bersatu’s Chenderiang assemblyperson Ahmad Faizal Azumu remains the menteri besar and a new exco lineup is expected to be named soon.

Malacca (PN)

Defections by two Harapan representatives - PKR’s Muhammad Jailani Khamis (Rembia) and DAP’s Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu) - helped form the new PN state administration.

The power transition hit a bump when three days into the new government, Malacca BN decided to cut ties with Bersatu and refused to allow the latter’s lawmakers to co-rule. Despite the rejection, Malacca Bersatu maintained its support for PN.

This gives PN 15 seats in the 28-seat legislative assembly. Umno’s Lendu assemblyperson Sulaiman Ali is the new chief minister.

Change in state government composition

Selangor (Harapan)

The Harapan state government ejected Bersatu from all positions following the latter’s move to quit the coalition and form PN at the federal level. This includes two former representatives who quit PKR for Bersatu - Azmin Ali (Bukit Antarabangsa) and Hilman Idham (Gombak Setia).

However, four Bersatu assemblypersons have taken a different stance from the rest of the party and declared their allegiance with Harapan. They are Sallehuddin Amiruddin (Kuang), Mohd Shaid Rosli (Jeram), Harumaini Omar (Batang Kali) and Adhif Syan Abdullah (Dengkil).

From 50 seats, Harapan now has a slightly reduced supermajority of 47 seats in the 56-seat legislative assembly.

Kedah (Harapan-Bersatu)

All six Bersatu assemblypersons in the state have taken a different stance from the rest of the party and declared their allegiance with Harapan.

They are Juhairi Bulat (Ayer Hangat), Mohd Firdaus Ahmad (Kuah), Halimaton Shaadiah Saad (Bukit Kayu Hitam), Mukhriz Mahathir (Jitra), Amiruddin Hamzah (Anak Bukit) and Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (Guar Chempedak).

The balance of power is as before, where the state government has a slim one-seat majority in the 36-seat house. The only difference is the administration is now called Harapan-Bersatu.

Penang (Harapan-Bersatu)

Like in Kedah, both Bersatu assemblypersons in the state have taken a different stance from the rest of the party and declared their allegiance with Harapan.

They are Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq (Bertam) and Zolkifly Md Lazim (Telok Bahang).

The balance of power is as before, where the state government has a 37-seat supermajority. The only difference is the administration is now called Harapan-Bersatu.

Kelantan (PN)

PAS previously held the state with a 37-seat supermajority. The new PN state government now rules the entire 45-seat legislative assembly with no opposition. 

Terengganu (PN)

PAS previously held the state with a 22-seat supermajority. The new PN state government now rules the entire 32-seat legislative assembly with no opposition.

Perlis (PN)

BN previously held the state with 9 out of 15 seats. The new PN state government has a supermajority with 12 seats in the legislative assembly. 

Sabah (Warisan-Harapan)

With the formation of PN, Harapan-friendly Warisan maintains its hold on the state government.

However, its supermajority has reduced from 52 to 43 seats out of 60 seats.

No changes in state governments

Sarawak (GPS)

There is no change in the balance of power in the state as GPS has declared itself to be PN-friendly.

The opposition, however, is now more split. Two assemblypersons have quit PKR to become independents but have not declared their support for any coalition. They are - Ali Biju (Saratok) and Baru Bian (Ba ‘Kelalan).

Pahang (PN)

The new PN state government has the same number of seats as the previous BN-PAS government - a supermajority of 33 out of 42 seats.

Negeri Sembilan (Harapan)

There is no change in the balance of power in the state.

 - Mkini