KUALA LUMPUR: In a closely watched electoral battle, Malaysia’s opposition has made significant strides in wresting control from the ruling coalition in key powerbases, according to unofficial polling results on Saturday evening. As votes continue to be counted, the opposition has managed to erode the government’s influence in Selangor and Penang, while maintaining a firm grip on its own territories.
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, led by former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, has showcased impressive gains in the election. In Penang, PN has surged from a single seat to at least 11, marking a noteworthy shift in the political landscape. Similarly, the coalition has doubled its presence in Selangor, escalating from five seats to a substantial 16, further challenging the ruling coalition’s dominance.
Even in the Negeri Sembilan state, which is under the control of the ruling Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) coalition led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PN has managed to secure at least one seat. This success underscores PN’s persistent efforts to expand its influence across various regions.
Opposition’s Potential Victory in Malaysia State Polls
Within its own strongholds, PN has solidified its position. The coalition has officially clinched a victory in Terengganu, securing a simple majority of 17 seats out of the 32-seat assembly. These developments come as the Election Commission announced PN’s lead in Kedah with 33 seats, surpassing the three seats held by PH-BN. Furthermore, PN has maintained a commanding lead in Kelantan, where it boasts an impressive 42-2 lead in the 45-seat house, as reported by Free Malaysia Today’s tally.
The early results suggest a return to the status quo, with both coalitions managing to retain control over their respective states. This outcome aligns with the predictions of political observers, who viewed this election as a referendum on the unity government led by Mr. Anwar Ibrahim.
Analysts had previously cautioned that the opposition’s increased traction, as evidenced by PN’s improved showing, could potentially lead to heightened political instability and the implementation of more conservative policies.
