Beyond ballots: lessons from Johor’s by-elections in a changing Malaysia

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JOHOR BARU – The by-elections in Johor’s Simpang Jeram and Pulai have concluded, and while Pakatan Harapan (PH) appeared to have secured a robust victory at first glance, the underlying dynamics tell a far more complex tale. 

These results provide us with an opportunity to gauge the shifting political currents of Malaysia, revealing much about voter sentiment and the various nature of electoral politics.
The Pulai and Simpang Jeram results challenge simplistic interpretations.

While PH can take solace in its victories, it cannot afford to be complacent.

The surge in votes for Perikatan Nasional (PN) – marked by more than a 60% increase in Simpang Jeram and 43% rise in Pulai compared to previous elections – suggests a base that is revolving.

This gain occurred despite a notably reduced voter turnout, hinting at a consolidation of support around PN.

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Twin by-election victories a bittersweet outcome: political scientist

GEORGE TOWN – The ruling unity alliance’s twin by-election victories in Johor last weekend is at best a bittersweet outcome because it has unfortunately revealed that Pakatan Harapan continues to suffer from a loss of support, and it also shows the economy is not fully healed.

Political scientist Prof Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said that the low-voter turnout is the starkest indication that the rebound of the economy is not progressing as well as it should.

It is the clearest indication before the 16th general election that the unity government of Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN), and its Sabah as well as Sarawak political allies, need to work harder to restore support and to ensure that growth generated can trickle down to all strata of society, said the academic.

Despite data indicating growth, jobs creation and a gradual decline of inflation, the ringgit shows weakness and society is suffering rising living costs. These contributed to reasons outstation voters did not bother to return to vote, said Fauzi in an interview.

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