Elections before Raya Haji better for BN, says analyst

 

An analyst expects a general election soon, based on Umno’s decision not to extend a political arrangement with Pakatan Harapan beyond July 31.

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional has the best chance of winning power again if the next general election is held before Hari Raya Aidiladha, says a political analyst.

Universiti Malaya lecturer Awang Azman Pawi said the coalition’s chances would be halved after Aidiladha “because the opposition will find a way to reduce the friction between their component parties by then”.

If BN did not take advantage of the split opposition, its chances of victory by the end of this year would be slim, he said.

Aidiladha falls on July 10, while the confidence and supply arrangement between Pakatan Harapan and Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government lasts until July 31.

Umno’s Supreme Council decided yesterday that the agreement should not be extended after its expiry, and also named Ismail, a party vice-president, as its prime ministerial candidate after GE15.

Ismail later said changes might still take place at the end of July.

Umno’s decision to not extend the agreement showed its intention of calling for GE15 very soon, says Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir.

He said Umno would bank on PH’s poor showing at the state elections in Johor, Sarawak and Melaka, as well as the momentum the party had gained to date.

In the Johor and Melaka state elections, BN stormed to landslide victories, winning two-third majorities in both state assemblies. Gabungan Parti Sarawak performed equally well at the Sarawak polls, winning 76 of 82 seats up for grabs.

Jeniri told FMT that if Umno were to extend the MoU with PH for another year, the sentiment of the people would change and the odds might no longer be in its favour.

Last month, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook called on Ismail to put GE15 on hold and extend the MoU with PH beyond July 31. - FMT