Cover Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Photo: Getty Images/NurPhoto)
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Photo: Getty Images/NurPhoto)
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As Malaysians cast their vote this Saturday, we speak to some experts to understand why these elections matter
As Malaysia gears up for state elections in six crucial states—Selangor, Kedah, Terengganu, Penang, Kelantan, and Negeri Sembilan—the political landscape is abuzz with anticipation. Set to take place August 12, 2023, these elections are expected to serve as an indirect referendum on the current federal government under the coalition of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
Read more: Malaysian State Elections 2023: What to know before casting your vote
The uniqueness of these state elections lies in their role as an indirect referendum on the current government. Dr James Chin, a political commentator and Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, highlighted that this is the first time the electorate has a chance to vote directly on the government, which was formed after the general elections, “You have to realise that this government was formed after the general elections, not before the general election. During the general elections, nobody actually voted for the current PH plus BN government coalition so this is the first election where people are given a chance to approve or disapprove of the current government.”
Above Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania
Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania
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Chin emphasised that the critical issues in this election are straightforward yet pivotal. Both sides—the current government and the opposition—are positioning themselves to capture the narrative. “The current government is selling the fact that it is a government that represents all groups in Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak and all races, while the opposition is claiming that this is not a Malay or Islamic government or not enough because apparently it is controlled by another party,” says Chin.
Beyond these overarching themes, local issues also play a role. In states like Kelantan, water issues have gained prominence, while in Terengganu, allegations of corrupt land deals involving the chief minister have stirred controversy.
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Above Anwar Ibrahim supporters hold Pakatan Harapan party flags as they celebrate Anwar swearing in as Prime Minister outside Istana Negara palace in Kuala Lumpur on 24 November 2022. (Photo by Mat Zain/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Anwar Ibrahim supporters hold Pakatan Harapan party flags as they celebrate Anwar swearing in as Prime Minister outside Istana Negara palace in Kuala Lumpur on 24 November 2022. (Photo by Mat Zain/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The youth vote holds significant sway in this election. Chin pointed out that in the previous election, the opposition benefited greatly from the youth vote in various constituencies. “The problem is that we only have one record of their voting patterns (GE15), so it is very difficult to try and second guess which way they’ll vote,” adds Chin.
Social media will play a vital role in these state elections, and Chin laments that the current government would have learned their lesson in upping its social media game. “It looks like in this election, the opposition is still stronger when it comes to social media, at least based on my own take.”
Don't miss: GE15: 5 Things That Will Make Malaysia’s 2022 Elections Different
Above Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research
Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research
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Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research, adds that for Perikatan National, the state election will likely serve as a means to destabilise the current unity government of Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional, but it’s still a tall order. “To capitalise on the state election results and show that the people are not in favour of the current coalition, they’ll need to capture Selangor or Negeri Selangor,” says Azmi. “I believe that the status quo of the states staying in the hands of their respective coalitions will remain except for a few seats lost here and there.”
Above Supporters of Malaysia's former Prime Minister and the leader of Perikatan Nasional (Photo: Getty Images/NurPhoto)
Supporters of Malaysia's former Prime Minister and the leader of Perikatan Nasional (Photo: Getty Images/NurPhoto)
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For Azmi, the ball is in Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional’s court as it is easier for the current government of the day to try to maintain control of Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan than Perikatan Nasional trying to wrest control of the states. “If we look at the referendum factor here, it’s easier for PH and BN to prove that the people accepted the federal government instead of Perikatan National to say that the people don’t accept the federal government.”
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Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
