GE15: Padang Serai, Tioman results reflect previous trend, not reaction on unity govt
SHAH ALAM - The Padang Serai Parliament and Tioman State Assembly 15th General Election (GE15) results have yet to translate the support or rejection towards the formation of the unity government.
Political analyst Professor Wong Chin Huat said it was too early to gauge the people's response to the formation of the unity government formed among Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
"The unity government Cabinet was formed five days ago and has yet to gain any achievements or failures.
"I think the results only reflect the voting trend in GE15," he told Sinar, here, on Wednesday.
Security and Political Analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin echoed Wong’s view, that the factor of voter selection relied on two matters that was either national or local interest issues.
"It was a process that started before GE15. It's possible that voters had made a decision based on what they've chosen and it was only translated with the relatively late voting.
"Whether the formation of the unity government changed their current decision was a matter that must be looked into thoroughly," he said.
Nirwandy said a study needed to be done to see the number of votes obtained and the difference between the votes as well as what actually resulted in the acceptance or the rejection of voters in both of the seats.
Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said the results of the polls were a referendum that would show whether the context of PH and BN cooperation was accepted or rejected.
"For me, the referendum from the Padang Serai Parliament and Tioman State Assembly GE15 is very meaningful and is a signal that will guide the political direction of the country from now on.
"Either there needs to be a change to the coalition policy or the current government needs to evaluate what they are doing by observing the clear message from the people," he said.
