Sarawak elections to pose test for ruling party and opposition
SARAWAK: The 2008 Malaysian general election was a setback for the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. It lost its two thirds parliamentary majority and control of five state assemblies. The coalition, however, maintained its dominance in East Malaysia.
Known as “fixed deposit” states, Sabah and Sarawak helped secure 53 of 58 seats in parliament for the BN.
The 2011 Sarawak elections will focus on 71 seats in the state legislature.
Barisan currently holds 63 seats while the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition controls seven constituencies. An independent party manages the last remaining seat.
However, the ruling coalition is not expected to lose its majority in Sarawak.
Dr Ooi Kee Beng, a fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, said: “Most people don’t believe the BN will lose its two thirds or power in Sarawak, mainly because of the rural support that it has.
“In rural areas, you tend to have a more hierarchic structure. Social pressure on voting along with the majority in your neighbourhood is also much stronger.”
Analysts said at least 20 seats are in the balance.
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