Analysts: By predicting a win for Pakatan, Dr Mahathir using reverse psychology to galvanise fragmented Malay support for Perikatan in KKB

May 1, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent statement predicting Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) loss in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baru polls is a mere “trick” to gather Malay support to stave off a perceived threat, analysts said. Speaking to Malay Mail, several analysts polled said that voting in Kuala Kubu … Read more

In ‘Allah’ socks issue, analysts see Perikatan’s restraint as a strategic move to its benefit

March 28, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — Taking a step back and letting Umno Youth spearhead the protest against the controversial socks with “Allah” printed on them may have benefitted Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) components PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, several political observers suggested. The analysts told Malay Mail that by taking an approach opposite to its … Read more

Umno’s stand on ‘Allah’ socks part of core struggle, analysts say

March 27, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 — Umno was obliged to endorse its Youth chief’s stance over the “Allah” socks controversy despite this putting it at odds with allies in the national unity government, according analysts. They said the position was fundamental to the identity of the Malay nationalist party that positions itself as champions of both … Read more

Analysts: Tepid response to Padu due to Malaysians’ suspicions, fears over data privacy and security

March 20, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — The low registration rate with the Central Database Hub (Padu) that is nearing its March 31 deadline for the public to update their information there suggested lingering distrust towards the government, analysts have suggested. Speaking to Malay Mail, they said the issue went further than concerns over cybersecurity matters, suggesting … Read more

Anwar’s China stance helps ease tensions, preserves Malaysia’s neutrality, say analysts

March 9, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remark dissuading other nations from confrontational stance towards China was a pragmatic approach to help ease geopolitical tensions in the region while simultaneously preserving Malaysia’s trading ties in the event of an escalation, said analysts. Sociopolitical analyst Associate Prof Awang Azman Pawi said Anwar’s … Read more

Bersih demo today signals patience running thin with unity government amid sluggish reform, say analysts

February 26, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — The slow pace of reforms, opacity in governance, and a notable departure from election promises were the driving factors behind electoral watchdog Bersih’s decision to stage a demonstration outside Parliament today, several analysts said. Citing concern with the government’s pace in delivering on promises made in manifestos for the 15th … Read more

Analysts say SST tax expansion revenue to benefit more people in the form of cash aid, urban infrastructure and healthcare

February 12, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 — The additional revenue from sales and service tax (SST) expansion to 8.0 per cent from 6.0 per cent effective March 1, 2024 can benefit the rakyat in the form of cash aid, urban infrastructure and healthcare amid the ageing population in the country. The new rate excludes services such as … Read more

A bane now, but analysts say Najib’s pardon could turn boon for BN and Pakatan at crunch time

February 3, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s partial pardon could be advantageous eventually for the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan coalitions despite the backlash and unhappiness now, according to analysts. They said Najib’s personal appeal with Malay voters could be an asset in the tussle with the rival Perikatan Nasional … Read more

Analysts suggest Opposition doesn’t have the numbers, ‘Dubai Move’ plot aimed to keep Perikatan supporters fired up

January 18, 2024 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — Political analysts believe that the Opposition leaders will be using the “Dubai Move” to rile up its supporters even though they do not have the numbers to topple the government. The “Dubai Move” was alleged to involve plans to identify and make offers to government MPs who might switch support … Read more

Analysts: Dzulkefly and Khalid’s popularity in Amanah polls not a slight to Mat Sabu, signals delegates’ confidence in leadership

December 27, 2023 by Gias ul Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — Despite ranking eighth during the recent internal election for Parti Amanah Negara, several political analysts polled by Malay Mail said this did not signify the party’s rejection of Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu who will close out his third term as president. Speaking to Malay Mail, they also said that Datuk … Read more

May 16, 2024