BARISAN Nasional (BN) is hopeful of wrestling Putrajaya with Sabah and Sarawak onboard by securing its traditional voters in the peninsula and East Malaysia, said Chong Sin Woon.

The MCA secretary-general said that based on the 14th General Election results, BN won 79 seats with Umno alone accounting for 54, except for Sarawak.

“Despite a strong sentiment against BN at the time, Umno won the most number of seats,” Chong told The Malaysian Insight.

“If Umno retains 54 or adds a few more seats along with MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), there will be enough seats in West Malaysia.”

Chong, however, said it is still too early to talk about cooperation with East Malaysian parties.

“BN cannot form a government alone in the peninsula, East Malaysian parties will become the kingmakers,” he said.

Chong said BN has a good chance as the PKR-led Pakatan Harapan has lost its appeal after GE14.

PKR only won two seats at the Sabah state election, one in Johor and was completely wiped out in Malacca.

“Post GE14, PKR’s performance has been unsatisfactory and they are unable to obtain Malay support. It is clear they are no longer appealing.”

Underpeforming PKR

When asked if Rafizi Ramli, PKR’s new deputy president is able to lead the party out of its predicament, Chong said the latter’s ideas are still about attacking former Prime Minister Najib Razak and has no new ideas.

“Still, we cannot underestimate Rafizi. He is the most clear headed among many PKR leaders and will not blindly follow PH or insist on Anwar Ibrahim as PM. He also knows that the big tent approach won’t work.”

Chong said Rafizi is also pragmatic and won’t underestimate his opponents.

Commenting on former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s new group Gerakan Tanah Air, which intends to stand in 120 parliamentary seats, Chong said the group just wants to take on Umno.

“The next GE will be different. Merely coming up with fancy slogans will not cut it,” he added. – August 17, 2022.