Snap poll boosts hopes for stability in Malaysia

陈小将

With Malaysia heading for an early election, analysts say the country can look forward to greater stability after a rocky period in the domestic political scene.

After weeks of speculation, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Monday the dissolution of the parliament, paving the way for early polls. The Election Commission will meet soon to set the date for the general election, which should come within 60 days of the dissolution date.

Analysts expect the United Malays National Organization, or UMNO, to remain in power given its continued popularity among the majority ethnic Malay voters. Moreover, the opposition is weak and divided, further strengthening UMNO's position in the upcoming polls.

"In terms of election timing, (if you are the ruling party) you will call for an election at a time that is favorable to you," said James Chin, professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania in Australia. "UMNO is now the strongest party because people are looking for political stability."

Chin believes the momentum is on UMNO's side, citing its allies' victories in state elections in Johor, Melaka and Sarawak over the past year.

"UMNO is likely to win the most seats and be in a position to drive the (formation of the) next ruling coalition," said Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

Oh alluded to the infighting among members of UMNO and how this has plagued Malaysian politics and led to abrupt changes in government. In the past four years, the country has had three prime ministers. The incumbent, Ismail Sabri, was appointed in August last year.

"The mainstream faction in UMNO would like to have an early election such that they could consolidate their power further with a bigger win for UMNO," Oh said.