Could Umno MPs resign to trigger snap by-elections?

Question

Accepted Answer

Umno MPs Could Potentially Resign to Trigger Snap By-Elections Amidst Party Decline

Some Umno federal lawmakers might consider resigning to trigger automatic by-elections, driven by concerns over their own political standing and positions as the party grapples with its ongoing decline. This possibility has emerged in the context of recent state election results where Malay voters reportedly showed a preference for PAS over Umno and Bersatu. While an anti-party hopping law currently provides a safeguard for the unity government, the potential for "political desperadoes" within Umno to act out of a lust for power remains a factor.
Motivation for Resignation Linked to Party Performance

Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, a member of the Umno supreme council, has suggested that a fear of losing influence and positions could be a primary motivator for certain Umno federal lawmakers to resign. This sentiment arises from the party's recent electoral performance, including a significant loss in the six state elections where Umno secured only 19 out of 108 contested seats. The perceived rejection by Malay voters in these elections, which saw PAS emerge as a beneficiary, fuels concerns about the party's future trajectory and individual MPs' standing within it.
Anti-Party Hopping Law's Role in Government Stability

The current unity government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is considered stable due to the presence of an anti-party hopping law enacted in October of the previous year. This legislation mandates that an elected lawmaker automatically forfeits their seat if they resign or switch political affiliations. However, the law does permit lawmakers to retain their positions if they are expelled from their party. This legal framework acts as a deterrent against arbitrary resignations that could destabilize the government.
Uncertainty Surrounding MPs' Willingness to Resign

Despite the potential motivations, there remains uncertainty regarding whether Umno MPs would actually be willing to resign and trigger by-elections. Nur Jazlan described individuals who might take such a drastic step as "political desperadoes," suggesting they would be willing to do anything to satisfy their ambition for power. This implies that any such resignations would likely stem from extreme political calculations rather than a collective party strategy.
Broader Political Landscape and PAS's Ascendancy

The commentary on Umno MPs' potential resignations is situated within a broader analysis of the political landscape following the six state elections. The observed trend of Malay voters favouring PAS over both Umno and Bersatu highlights a significant shift in the electoral dynamics. Nur Jazlan's remarks underscore the need for peninsular parties within the unity government to strategise against the rise of PAS to ensure the administration's longevity. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim currently commands the support of 147 federal lawmakers, including 26 from Umno, indicating a strong parliamentary majority.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Could Umno MPs resign to trigger snap by-elections?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends