What are a few of the reasons for the BN, or should we say Umno, winning seven of the last eight by-elections?
Here’s something I wrote for Asia Times:
Umno bounces back in Malaysia
By Anil Netto
PENANG – The political tide that earlier rolled against Malaysia’s ruling United Malays Nasional Organisation (Umno)-led coalition appears to have turned again in its favor, raising the prospects for possible early polls. Continue reading »
So, my source in Pas was accurate in his predictions for both these polls.
On the eve of polling (5 March, 10.28pm – see Coveritlive below) he had predicted a BN win by 3,500 votes in Merlimau (actual 3,643) and a BN majority of 2,500 in Kerdau (actual 2,724).
Latest updates from polling day for Galas and Batu Sapi by-elections.
Here’s something I wrote for Asia Times after the Penanti by-election:
Malaysia’s opposition alliance has chalked up its fifth by-election win out of six since a general election last year.
This time, the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front – BN) coalition did not put up a candidate, perhaps fearing that another by-election defeat would be demoralizing. That left the coast clear for the Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance) to brush aside three independent candidates on Sunday.
Just when Umno is dreading more by-elections, another one is in the pipeline with the passing of Manek Urai state assembly member Ismail Yaacob at dawn today after a long illness.