Loke’s warning aimed at shoring up PH support, says analyst
2 hours ago
Anne Muhammad
Azmi Hassan says it is a 'tactic' to create the perception that if PH loses in Negeri Sembilan, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will become prime minister
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook previously said a PH defeat in Negeri Sembilan could have ‘major implications’ for the federal unity government.
PETALING JAYA: DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s warning that a Pakatan Harapan (PH) defeat in the Negeri Sembilan polls could have “major implications” for the federal unity government is more likely aimed at mobilising supporters than reflective of a genuine threat to the unity government’s survival, says an analyst.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said he did not expect Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to withdraw support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim because of the Negeri Sembilan election results.
“I see this as Loke’s tactic to create the perception that if PH loses in Negeri Sembilan, Zahid will become prime minister,” he told FMT.
“Although this is not explicitly stated, it is implied. That is PH’s campaign message: a vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) means you want Zahid to become prime minister.”
Loke had said that a PH defeat in Negeri Sembilan could have “major implications” for the federal government.
He said although BN leaders had said they would stay in the unity government until its term ends in early 2028, the political landscape could change at any time.
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said the unity government’s stability could not depend on political assurances alone as party positions could shift with changing circumstances.
He also said that the unity government’s memorandum of understanding was not a constitutionally binding document, and carried only political and moral weight.
He said Loke’s statement should not be dismissed as mere campaign rhetoric as it reflected the government’s current political configuration, which depends on a precarious balance of power.
“Winning or losing a state election is no longer just about state administration. It has also become a measure of the federal government’s legitimacy.”
Zaharuddin said if PH failed to retain Negeri Sembilan, it could be seen as a sign that the federal government’s momentum was weakening, giving BN greater leverage over the government’s direction.
He said the unity government’s main challenge was that the coalition, formed to ensure stability, was becoming increasingly dependent on political partners whose involvement could hurt public perception of the government.
“PH needs to rethink its long-term strategy because political stability cannot rely solely on parliamentary numbers or the loyalty of political elites.
“Instead, it must rest on the integrity of public institutions and public confidence,” he said.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said he did not expect Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to withdraw support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim because of the Negeri Sembilan election results.
“I see this as Loke’s tactic to create the perception that if PH loses in Negeri Sembilan, Zahid will become prime minister,” he told FMT.
“Although this is not explicitly stated, it is implied. That is PH’s campaign message: a vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) means you want Zahid to become prime minister.”
Loke had said that a PH defeat in Negeri Sembilan could have “major implications” for the federal government.
He said although BN leaders had said they would stay in the unity government until its term ends in early 2028, the political landscape could change at any time.
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said the unity government’s stability could not depend on political assurances alone as party positions could shift with changing circumstances.
He also said that the unity government’s memorandum of understanding was not a constitutionally binding document, and carried only political and moral weight.
He said Loke’s statement should not be dismissed as mere campaign rhetoric as it reflected the government’s current political configuration, which depends on a precarious balance of power.
“Winning or losing a state election is no longer just about state administration. It has also become a measure of the federal government’s legitimacy.”
Zaharuddin said if PH failed to retain Negeri Sembilan, it could be seen as a sign that the federal government’s momentum was weakening, giving BN greater leverage over the government’s direction.
He said the unity government’s main challenge was that the coalition, formed to ensure stability, was becoming increasingly dependent on political partners whose involvement could hurt public perception of the government.
“PH needs to rethink its long-term strategy because political stability cannot rely solely on parliamentary numbers or the loyalty of political elites.
“Instead, it must rest on the integrity of public institutions and public confidence,” he said.
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