KUCHING: The distribution of seats for the forthcoming elections in six states in Peninsular Malaysia is expected to be raised during the Unity Government National Convention.
According to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) political analyst Dr. Lee Kuok Tiung the elections involving Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang would thus be an important gauge on people’s support for the Unity Government.
“The convention is also seen as a preparation to face the elections in the six states and will thus be a platform to settle any disagreement,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on Saturday.
He added that the component parties of Barisan Nasional (BN) would want to see a fair formula in the distribution of the seats.
“Don’t forget that, BN also won by winning two-thirds of the seats in the past Malacca and Johor elections.
“However, for these six elections they have to share with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“The formula follows the status quo that was announced before, that is the seat will be given to the incumbent to retain the seat.
“It is certain that it discriminates and closes the opportunity for parties such as the MCA and the MIC to continue to rise, they also need to be given a chance so that they can prove their abilities,” he said.
In this regard, he said it is certain that at this time the wings or branches of the national parties in Sabah and Sarawak may be busy preparing members to be sent to Peninsular Malaysia to help during the campaign.
“At the same time, we do not want to see the local parties of Sabah and Sarawak, especially the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) involved in the ‘battle’ in Peninsular Malaysia,” he explained.
The convention, which is expected to gather 10,000 delegates from the 19 political parties of the ruling coalition will take place for the first time, on May 14 (Sunday) at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur.
