Malaysia by-election threatens to be racially polarised, could hurt government's moral, political legitimacy
KUALA LUMPUR: A state by-election in the semi-urban town of Kuala Kubu Bharu in Selangor set for May 11 is shaping up to be a test of the dynamics between different factions in the unity government, analysts said.
Recent events - such as the controversial KK Super Mart socks saga as well as the latest twist in former premier Najib Razak’s bid to get out of jail - could exacerbate the existing animosity between Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, analysts said, making it more difficult for BN supporters to vote for the government’s candidate.
This will be the seventh by-election to be held in Malaysia after the 15th general election in November 2022.
Following Nomination Day on Saturday (Apr 27), it will be a four-cornered fight, with PH represented by Democratic Action Party (DAP) candidate Pang Sock Tao and the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) fielding Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Hulu Selangor division chief Khairul Azhari Saut.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-election-kuala-kubu-bharu-ph-umno-dap-4294876
