GEORGE TOWN – Snap elections are the best way to end the country’s political imbroglio, said an expert, despite Covid-19 still posing a serious threat.
Acknowledging the health risks of holding a vote amid the pandemic, Prof Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia, nevertheless, said citizens should be the ones to decide the country’s leadership, especially when the current power tussle is showing signs of undermining efforts to contain the coronavirus and revive the economy.
Malaysian politics is not cleanly divided between the ruling Perikatan Nasional and opposition Pakatan Harapan, with the Muafakat Nasional partnership between Umno and PAS, as well as newcomer Pejuang, adding to the clamour, he told The Vibes.
“If we talk about a Malay-Muslim-led coalition, the problem is, they are split four ways – one led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, one by Pejuang’s Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, one by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and one by Kelantan prince Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.”
This split has gone on to impact non-Malay Barisan Nasional components MCA and MIC, he said.
He added that despite some parties’ declaration of support for Anwar, they also have different opinions on who they believe is best for the prime minister’s job.
Sivamurugan said a cabinet reshuffle may appease Umno, which has taken issue with the “weak” posts it was given despite contributing the largest number of MPs among its PN allies, but this will not iron out the problems between the Malay leaders.
Should snap polls be called, he said, the Election Commission must come up with innovative ways to ensure voters’ safety.
“We may need to consider the use of technology, and how voters in rural areas can move safely.”
Campaigning should be done online, he said, but warned that digitalisation, despite looking good on paper, may pose issues due to its relatively new adoption.
He cited as an example the 2000 US election, which saw glitches during the vote count. – The Vibes, October 18, 2020
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