The Ups And Downs In Tri-elections
Najib and Muhyiddin: They fail to create waves in their maiden expedition, and the effects of new leadership doesn't quite work out to BN's favour. They need to work harder in the future to implement the reforms and recoup lost faith.
By TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily
The three by-elections have created some changes in the country's political environment.
While some politicians have seen their popularity boosted by the elections, others have seen theirs taking a dive.
Of the ups and downs, who are the winners and who are the losers?
The following is the conclusion that I have drawn:
Increased popularity:
Nizar Jamaluddin: A year ago, he was made Perak menteri besar out of luck. But today, he is elected an MP all by his own capability.
The by-election victory has given him back his honour and perked up his leadership stature after being disgracefully removed from his office.
He has managed to consolidate the cooperation among PAS, DAP and PKR in the state, and has won the support of the Malays, Chinese as well as Indians.
This, has set him aside as a truly representative new-generation leader, and perhaps the rising political star of tomorrow.
Anwar Ibrahim: A string of events that have taken place within PKR expose the fragility of his organisational skills and personnel deployment.
His insistence in fielding a newcomer Manikumar has triggered a backlash within his own party as well as the Indian community.
In the end, PKR retains Bukit Selambau, showing that his choice has been right, and PKR's morale getting a lift.
Although PKR's defeat in Batang Ai is well within expectations, it has neverthelss overshadowed some of the glory.
Taib Mahmud: Even at his age, his is still invincible in Sarawak. No one can actually substitute him, and BN needs him to hold the state together.
Decreased popularity:
Mahathir Mohamad: His campaigning for BN candidates has drawn massive crowds and cheers, but that is only an illusion. In the end, it is proven that he is incapable of soliciting more votes for BN.
Those who applaud and cheer for him are formidable BN supporters, but for the undecided, as well as Chinese and Indian voters, his presence does not help at all.
He wants to use his campaigning to demonstratte his influences, but the outcome has proven the contrary.
Najib and Muhyiddin: They fail to create waves in their maiden expedition, and the effects of new leadership doesn't quite work out to BN's favour. They need to work harder in the future to implement the reforms and recoup lost faith.
MCA and Gerakan: Chinese voters are decisively leaning towards Pakatan Rakyat, and have overwhelmingly cast their ballots in favour of Nizar of PAS in the Bukit Gantang by-election. The destiny of these two Chinese-based parties is in dire straits.
The 14 independent candidates: All losing their deposits. Malaysian politics has never given independent candidates much chance of existence. Even if they attempt to tip the balance, there is nothing much they can really do.
Especially the 13 independents in Bukit Selambau, where their combined votes (1,326) has not even reached half-mark of the threshold for them to keep their deposits.
