PETALING JAYA: The constitutional and political crisis that forced the Negri Sembilan polls will dominate the election campaign and voters’ perception over the issue will likely shape the results, say analysts.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political analyst Dr Suffian Mansor is expecting both sides of the political divide to make the constitutional and political dispute central to their campaigns ahead of the state polls on Aug 1.
“Negri Sembilan is a unique state where the Adat Perpatih system is important. Any improper handling of the crisis will backfire on the parties who raise the issue (during campaigning),” he said.
According to Suffian, he observed mixed ground sentiments in Negri Sembilan, where some locals are supportive of the Pakatan Harapan-led state government’s handling of the issue.
“But some see that the Pakatan government did not manage the constitutional issue adequately.
“Therefore, it depends on how the parties manage their campaigns when they touch on this issue,” he said.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said the ceremony proclaiming Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar, which was eventually declared illegal, also has divided public opinions.
“This royal crisis will have an impact on politics,” he said.
Sunway University political scientist Prof Wong Chin Huat said the dispute could work against Umno.
“Many Malay voters hold the Ruler in high regard and some may punish Umno for fishing in troubled waters,” he said.
Aside from the royal crisis, Wong said the economy would be central during campaigning.
He said Pakatan would be judged on its pace of reforms and anti-corruption efforts.
Voters, he said, will also observe Pakatan’s handling of sensitive religious matters.
“Some voters may punish Pakatan over these two issues and vote for Bersama or Barisan Nasional.
“But others would see the rise of PAS and Umno as a bigger threat and vote Pakatan as a necessary evil.
“This is the core issue in the Negri Sembilan election and both sides will use it to win support,” Wong said.
The constitutional crisis in Negri Sembilan was triggered when the four Undang made an unprecedented attempt to depose the state Ruler.
The Election Commission has announced that Negri Sembilan will go to the polls on Aug 1, with nomination day set on July 18.
