KUALA LUMPUR – The unity government could face a setback in the coming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election if an MCA candidate is fielded, as the party’s relevance within Barisan Nasional (BN) has waned, analysts said.
This assertion has arisen after MCA declared its support for the unity government’s election machinery in the state seat only if the candidate would hail from BN.
According to Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan, MCA’s insistence on contesting Kuala Kubu Baharu might stem from its historical association with the constituency.
However, Azmi points out that the demographics have shifted, with DAP now holding sway among non-Malay voters.
He argues that DAP, having held the seat previously, has the support of these voters, making it a more logical choice.
“MCA’s reluctance to campaign alongside DAP or Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the by-election reflects its diminished influence among non-Malay voters, particularly the Chinese electorate,” Azmi noted.
Previously, MCA held Kuala Kubu Baharu from 1982 to 2013.
Azmi further suggested that MCA’s opposition to DAP’s candidacy stemmed from a fear of being overshadowed, as campaigning alongside DAP could highlight MCA’s dwindling support base.
In contrast, Azmi highlighted the importance of the Malay vote for the unity government, suggesting that Perikatan Nasional might find Gerakan to be a more appealing choice due to its potential to attract non-Malay voters.
He also emphasised the need for the unity government to resolve internal conflicts regarding candidate selection to maintain political stability.
Tensions in the unity government?
Earlier, BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan implored MCA and MIC to provide assistance for the by-election.
He said this was because BN respected the honour system and would give the incumbent party priority to field the candidate in a by-election.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also refuted assertions that MIC would not support PH in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign.
Commenting on the apparent friction within the coalition, Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi warned that it could lead to voter distrust if not addressed promptly.
He advocated for consensus building to ensure representation from all component parties.
“The misunderstanding within component parties could lead to voter distrust, especially if it reflects broader divisions within the unity government.
“However, effective communication and resolution of issues could mitigate this impact,” he opined.
Awang Azman also proposed selecting a candidate with broad appeal across ethnic groups and a track record of community engagement to maintain the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat.
Political scientist Azmil Tayeb echoed sentiments about MCA’s waning relevance among the Chinese community and suggested that the coalition should prioritise candidates with strong grassroots connections regardless of ethnicity or religion.
“MCA is irrelevant among the Chinese voters. That’s why other parties agree that the candidate (for Kuala Kubu Baharu) has to be from DAP. Plus, the late assemblyperson was from DAP.
“The rationale is to keep the status quo. DAP is already taking a backseat in this government, despite its size. It’s not fair to take away more from the party,” he said.
Kuala Kubu Baharu’s polling day will be on May 11, while April 27 is set for nomination.
The state seat was vacated following the death of DAP assemblywoman Lee Kee Hiong, who died of ovarian cancer last month. She had held the seat for PH since 2013. – April 23, 2024