Malay disunity good for Sabah, Sarawak, say analysts

Analysts believe that political disunity among Malays in Peninsular Malaysia may actually benefit Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah and Sarawak leaders are more focused on maintaining federal stability and protecting their own interests rather than promoting Malay unity in the peninsula. Political analyst James Chin from the University of Tasmania stated that a stronger Malay bloc could hinder Sabah and Sarawak's ability to secure concessions from the federal government, particularly those promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He explained that united Malay politicians in power often ignore the interests of Sabah and Sarawak. Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Pawi emphasized that the main concern for Sabah and Sarawak was political stability in the peninsula, as it directly affects the stability of the federal government and the implementation of MA63 commitments.

He also noted that political fragmentation could strengthen Sabah and Sarawak's bargaining power in determining who forms the federal government, but only if accompanied by government stability. Analysts commented on Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin's claim that Malay disunity could lead to doubts about the ability of West Malaysian leaders to govern effectively, potentially causing them to consider other options for leading the country.