MALAYSIANS were the biggest winners of GE14 as they cast aside the former ruling government’s narrative that change equalled fear and instability.

But former prime minister Najib Razak’s administration may have underestimated public anger with issues like corruption and the high cost of living that had been staring Barisan Nasional in the face.

As Malaysians watch the transition of government to Pakatan Harapan, here’s a look at other winners and losers of GE14.

Winners

Younger candidates

Candidates such as Young Syefura Othman, Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, Fahmi Fadzil, Yeo Bee Yin and many others sparked renewed hope that change is possible and that young people are capable of leading the country. Instead of hate, they spoke of hope and inspired voters to rally behind them against more experienced incumbents. 

Dr Mahathir Mohamad

At 92, Dr Mahathir showed leadership to save a floundering opposition after PAS quit the coalition. With him, PH found discipline and structure and gave confidence to Malaysians to vote the opposition into government. 

During the campaign, Dr Mahathir worked harder than everyone going from state to state to campaign for PH. And to top it off, he showed cool composure to plot a tactical plan to end BN’s 60-year rule.

Umno veterans

The timely appearance of former ministers Rafidah Aziz, Daim Zainuddin, Rais Yatim and Syed Hamid Albar was the best endorsement PH could get. Their testimonies lent credibility to PH’s call for change and that BN needed to be replaced.

Losers

Najib Razak

Despite dishing out motorbike after motorbike and throwing all sorts of goodies, right up to the eve of polling day, Malaysians all round have rejected BN and showed Najib that cash is not king.

Under him, BN lost more than 50 seats, six ministers, two menteris besar and five states. What will he do now? All eyes are on the press conference at 11am today.

Registrar of Societies

Director-general of RoS Surayati Ibrahim temporarily dissolved Bersatu and ordered it to not to use its logo or conduct any activity, two days before Parliament was dissolved. At the same time, she overlooked the legality of Umno, which has not held any party election since 2013.

Election Commission chairman

Under Mohd Hashim Abdullah, polling day was set on a Wednesday, ballot papers arrived too late for many overseas voters, constituencies were redrawn to separate non-Malays from Malays and new rules introduced after Parliament was dissolved.

To compound matters, when Malaysians were waiting for the results, Hashim only appeared  at 12.30am to offer flimsy reasons for the delay in releasing results. Yet, 10 minutes later, he reappeared to announce the results and thereon results flowed.

Component parties

MCA, Gerakan and MIC lost their presidents while Gerakan lost all its parliamentary seats. MyPPP also lost its only contest in Segambut. The relevance of these parties will brought into question again. – May 10, 2018.