SHAH ALAM - Political analyst recently expressed that it might be time for Perikatan Nasional (PN) Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down and make way for a Pas leader at the helm of the coalition, citing a noticeable complacency and lack of coordination within the coalition.
"The dynamics within PN have changed, and Pas is now effectively in charge.
"It could be strategic for Muhyiddin to formally hand over leadership to ensure alignment with the coalition's current direction," Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun told Sinar Daily when contacted yesterday.
While discussing the potential impact of fielding a Pas candidate in recent elections, Oh said that although the outcomes might not have been reversed, a different candidate could have influenced the results.
He added that Barisan Nasional's (BN) vote-buying allegations, as claimed by former Umno lawmaker Tan Sri Annuar Musa, should be thoroughly investigated if formal complaints are lodged.
In a related matter, Universiti Teknologi Mara's Centre for Communication and Media Studies' Director Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman commented on BN's recent electoral victory, suggesting it could solidify the coalition's influence and improve its prospects in upcoming state and general elections.
"This win could serve as a morale booster for BN, potentially influencing their strategies in candidate selection and coalition negotiations, especially if the alliance with PH continues," he said.
He stressed the importance of fulfilling electoral promises and implementing policies that resonate with the electorate to ensure ongoing support.
The Nenggiri state by-election saw a one-on-one fight between BN candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul or better known as Awie and Pas candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail representing PN.
Azmawi who is also Kelantan Umno youth chief polled 9,091 votes to beat Rizwadi who obtained 5,739 votes.
The results were announced by returning officer Nik Raisnan Daud at the vote-tallying centre at Dewan Perdana, Kompleks Perdana, Gua Musang District Council, tonight.
BN held the seat for four consecutive terms after it was first contested in 2004 but lost it to PN's Mohd Azizi Abu Naim in the Kelantan state election in August last year.
Azizi, who contested under the Pas ticket defeated BN's Ab Aziz Yusoff by a majority of 810 votes then.