TAKING a back-seat view of the recent Malacca state elections, one would conclude that Barisan Nasional (BN), in particular Umno, is making a strong political comeback and Pakatan Harapan (PH), namely PKR, is the biggest loser.

While it is true that PKR is indeed the greatest loser, we cannot label BN as the greatest victor, although it may seem so.

For one, we cannot discount the low voter turnout, which was the lowest in history, at only 66%, compared with 85% previously.

An estimated 29% of Chinese and Indian voters opted to stay away while about 34% of others also did not come out to vote.

The best reason for this would, of course, be fear of the Covid-19 epidemic.

On paper, Umno seems victorious, winning 18 of the 20 seats it contested, but in fact, the party lost an estimated 4% support among Malay voters.

The only reason Umno won so many seats is because it was handed to them on a silver platter by PH – due to its political shortcomings and Anwar Ibrahim’s dismal leadership.

BN coalition parties MCA and MIC also actually lost ground marginally, from about 10% to 8% and neither achieved any gains in terms of popular vote.

So, on close scrutiny of the electoral results, the party that gained the most ground was Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu.

Bersatu, in fact, gained about 6% in vote share to 15% overall, which was not only concentrated on the Malays, but spread across all communities.

Malay support alone for Perikatan Nasional is estimated to have increased about 17% and anchored around Bersatu.

Also, a large portion of this support was reportedly from the younger voters, who viewed Bersatu as the best alternative that offered them the opportunities and security they seek.

Bersatu has positioned itself well as one with a solid political foundation and able to meet the aspirations of younger voters.

Also, political observers have taken their hats off to Bersatu for going the extra mile and naming Mas Ermieyati Samsudin as its chief minister candidate.

This endeared the party’s support among women voters and also demonstrated the liberal and openness the party leadership practises.

So, to say that Umno is winning over the hearts of voters based on the Malacca polls would be an incorrect conclusion.

Bersatu was, in fact, the party that gained most ground and looks poised for a strong electoral victory in the next general election.

No matter what, Umno is still riddled with accusations of corruption and power abuse and this is not something the voters can sweep under the carpet.

The best alternative is clearly Bersatu and the voters, especially those coming in soon under Undi18, realise this. – November 22, 2021.

* Mohamed Ariffin Ismail reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.