Bersatu’s Call for Snap Election Amid Internal Divisions
PETALING JAYA: Bersatu’s call for its members to gear up for a snap general election at the end of this year is driven more by its weakening position than the likelihood of early polls, says a political analyst.
Internal Divisions and Weakening Position
James Chin of the University of Tasmania said the party’s leadership is aware of its diminishing influence, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim consolidating power and PAS strengthening its own position.
"The weaker the party, the earlier you have to prepare for general elections," he said. "Because if you are a weak party, the earlier you prepare, the more time you have to fix all the weaknesses in your election machinery."
Proxy Battle and Ongoing Tensions
Bersatu has been beset by internal struggles, with last year’s party elections widely viewed as a proxy battle between current deputy president Hamzah Zainudin and Azmin Ali. The party also appears to be at odds with Perikatan Nasional ally PAS over leadership of the coalition and the choice of its prime ministerial candidate.
Muhyiddin’s Call for Snap Election
Despite these challenges, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin recently urged party members to prepare for a nationwide election "by the end of this year", implying that Anwar’s unity government may not last its full term.
Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani of ADA Southeast Asia said Muhyiddin’s call is more about creating doubt and destabilising the government.
"By suggesting that there will be early snap elections, Bersatu is implying that Anwar is weak and lacks political support," he said.
Potential Impact on Electoral Performance
But if a general election does take place, Asrul said Bersatu and PAS may run separate campaigns under PN due to ongoing tensions.
"This approach could negatively impact their electoral performance, as PAS supporters may not be inclined to support a Bersatu candidate and vice versa," he said.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak
Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said a snap election would be a distraction for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which is already focused on its upcoming state election.
"For Gabungan Parti Sarawak, its ironclad stranglehold on Sarawak politics is such that it really does not matter when and how frequently the federal election is held, as they are likely to sweep up most if not all of the seats," he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bersatu’s call for a snap election is driven by its weakening position and internal divisions, and may have unintended consequences for its electoral performance. The party’s ongoing tensions with PAS and its potential to run separate campaigns under PN could impact its ability to win over voters.
FAQs
Q: Why is Bersatu calling for a snap election?
A: Bersatu is calling for a snap election due to its weakening position and internal divisions.
Q: What is the potential impact of a snap election on Bersatu’s electoral performance?
A: A snap election could negatively impact Bersatu’s electoral performance, as its ongoing tensions with PAS and potential to run separate campaigns under PN could alienate voters.
Q: How might Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak be affected by a snap election?
A: A snap election would be a distraction for GRS, which is already focused on its upcoming state election, while GPS’s ironclad stranglehold on Sarawak politics means it is likely to win most if not all of the seats.