KUCHING: In the past, Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, especially DAP, were the focus in the general elections in Malaysia, however, things are totally different now.
The formation of new coalitions as well as more political parties in recent years has changed the entire political landscape of the country where there is no single party or political entity strong enough to form a stable federal government.
A ‘stable’ federal government means a ruling coalition that has a significant majority – not just ‘a few seats’.
This was the reason why Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), with 18 members of parliament (MPs) was able to play the kingmaker role in determining the choice of prime minister during the Sheraton Move in 2020 – one of the biggest political crises in the country.
It is expected to be the same scenario after the 15th general election on Nov 19, as none of the big three coalitions in West Malaysia namely Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) can form a strong federal government.
Thus, Dr Azmi Hassan, who is a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, said it is true that whoever wins in the peninsula, will still need the support from GPS.
Furthermore, GPS, which is contesting in all 31 seats in Sarawak is expected to win the lion’s share of the parliamentary seats in East Malaysia this time around.
He said GPS will not only have a determining force on the next federal government, but also the leverage to hold important ministerial positions in the cabinet.
“During the tenure of the government, GPS can always demand matters in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which will definitely benefit the people in Sarawak,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
GPS, he said, is likely to be able to work well with Barisan Nasional as the latter did not contest in any seat in Sarawak, both state and general elections. Unlike PH and PN, which fielded their candidates, competing fiercely against GPS candidates.
“So, if BN wins in West Malaysia, I think there will be no major issues for the GPS to work with them… but, if it is the PH or PN (that wins), it is something interesting to watch,” he said.
“To contest against GPS candidates in Sarawak is something very sensitive despite a leader who has said that the PN-GPS relationship is still intact. So, it is very difficult for GPS to support them,” he said.
Apart from the three major coalitions, BN, PH and PN, Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Friday, has also expressed interest to work with GPS if it wins the general election.
“Sarawak is supposed to be the kingmaker (in GE15), they are not involved in all the shenanigans that are happening in Peninsular Malaysia.
“I’d be interested to work with GPS, as well as with independent candidates who are not involved in wrongdoings,” he said in an interview with Astro Awani.
Meanwhile, GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, on numerous occasions, has made it clear that the decision to support any party or coalition will be made only after the GE15.
