Malaysians still unsure of leadership style they want based on poll results — political analyst

KUCHING: The outcome of Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) being tied at 3-3 in the state elections in six states maintains the status quo.
 
In stating this, political analyst Dick Lembang Dugun said the results of the state elections were a surprise as voters in the said states still chose the religion-based party over sound policy.
 
“Other countries recognised the administration of the Unity Government by investing in our country, while others see that we are moving in the right direction under the stewardship of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
 
“However, if we were to take the recent state elections’ results as an indicator, it is rather confusing what type of leadership Malaysians really want.
 
“The reality of leaders who failed in managing the country but still managed to garner mass support from the voters is something really interesting to study on political behaviour,” he said when contacted by the New Sarawak Tribune today (August 13).
 
In line with this, he stated that despite the state elections in the six states having just concluded, it is time for all political parties to strategise and make preparations for the 16th general election.
 
“Aside from that, they also need to move forward and focus on managing the country and continue to get the foreign direct investment that can boost our economy.
 
“For me, at least with our unity government, we can see our country keep progressing compared to when the PN was governing.
 
“I hope that Malaysians can see the differences between the administration of our current Prime Minister and previous leadership,” he said.
 
For the record, during the state elections, the PH-BN unity pact managed to capture Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang, while the PN retained their power in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.