Battle lines drawn for Malaysian elections
(ST) – More than double the 103 in the 2008 polls, the large number of independents adds a potential spoiler in some constituencies, especially those with slender winning margins. In 2008, 65 seats were won with margins of less than 3 per cent.
Yesterday, the stage was set for further clashes when 269 independents, some of them rejects from the main camps, showed up to file their nomination papers. Mostly unknown, they turned up without fanfare to join the top party leaders who arrived noisily with supporters bearing flags and singing party songs.
More than double the 103 in the 2008 polls, the large number of independents adds a potential spoiler in some constituencies, especially those with slender winning margins. In 2008, 65 seats were won with margins of less than 3 per cent.
It also means multi-cornered races in 276 of 727 state and parliamentary seats. Even Peninsular Malaysia will see one six-way and five five-way fights that were once common only in Sabah and Sarawak.
The entry of these independents drew swift reactions from party leaders who moved to expel members who had not been fielded but chose to stand on their own tickets.
“Party discipline is important,” Prime Minister Najib Razak said. At least 10 members from BN were sacked. His action was echoed by the opposition Democratic Action Party, which also dropped at least three from its ranks.
