East Malaysia is the key to hold off that ‘blue wave’

Following the recent Negeri Sembilan state election, there are growing concerns that Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) may once again collaborate for the next general election. This BN-PN partnership, aimed at consolidating Malay votes, does not bode well for Pakatan Harapan (PH), which has made significant efforts to win over the community but has seen no tangible results.

Various suggestions have been made to prevent a clean sweep by BN and PN, but these efforts may be seen as "too little, too late". Regardless of how much the opposition emphasizes a corruption-free government or a stronger economy, it is unlikely to outshine communal politics, which are gaining significant momentum.

At this point, it appears that Anwar Ibrahim and PH are uncertain about how to counter the "blue wave". It may be time for them to turn to East Malaysia for a potential solution. The political landscape in East Malaysia, comprising Sabah and Sarawak, is distinct from that of the Peninsular Malaysia, where race and religion heavily influence every issue.

In the recent Sabah state elections, there was a strong "Sabah first" sentiment, devoid of racial or religious undertones. This sentiment is likely to be prevalent in the upcoming Sarawak polls as well.

To counter the "blue wave" and secure power after the 2016 general election (GE16), PH might need to focus more on East Malaysia. The state of Sarawak offers an additional advantage as Umno has not been present, and BN no longer exists there. Sarawak has demonstrated its ability to resist BN's influence, with Arthur Joseph Kurup, from Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, demanding to be removed as Sabah BN chairman. The potential power play in Sabah, if successful, could have far-reaching consequences.

While the Madani government has been accommodating towards East Malaysia, a more proactive approach may be required to strengthen PH's position. It is crucial not to underestimate the ambitions of political parties seeking to appease the people of East Malaysia, as this could backfire and lead to unexpected outcomes. Sabah and Sarawak, with their unique political landscapes, have always been different from Peninsular Malaysia and will continue to diverge. It is essential for PH to recognize this and adjust their strategies accordingly.