BARISAN Nasional (BN) continued its strong showing in Johor, securing two-thirds majority, the second time it has done so in less than six months. 

This continues in a trend of regaining its lost ground and shaking the dust of its shaky relationship with Perikatan Nasional (PN). 

BN has been on a seemingly unstoppable march, initially with skirmishes targeting PN, or specifically Bersatu, ranging from tactical moves like unseating their Perak menteri besar and the then prime minister himself, and installing Umno ones in their stead.

Tactically, they largely stayed out of Sarawak’s elections and left it to their former allies now in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). Recently, however, the steps seem to be bolder and less subtle – triggering state elections and winning them with large margins. 

This is a stark contrast from Sabah, because they still share power with PN after that election, as they do in other states they govern, as well as the federal government. 

Ironically, the one party that appears to be keeping PN in power equation, seems to be the party with the biggest axe to grind, Pakatan Harapan (PH), whom PN unceremoniously removed from power barely halfway into their term.

Although PN quite brashly consider themselves the biggest rival to BN, it is increasingly obvious that PH still leads in that regard, although their ability seemed to have greatly waned due to several features – diminishing support, increased competition and general political apathy and lethargy. 

BN has the biggest advantage on most fronts. 

Although part of the current rather unpopular government, it managed to associate itself with the popular bits – stability, rule of the majority, business-friendliness without taking on the burden of the bad – a sinking economy, poor handling of the pandemic and loss of jobs and income. 

It is also likely that this association is what makes Najib Razak’s popularity with the masses – something DAP and PH fail to grasp, the rakyat’s pining for “better times” and cash handouts – which they have connected with Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia and other 1Malaysia initiatives. 

Although the urban elite may not be able to fathom the desire to be ruled by someone facing multiple charges here and overseas, between the complexity of the case, its over-exploited political value, the long duration taken to convict, the failure of the previous and elements in the present government to convince the rakyat that the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal is the source of their woes, have led to general disinterest in it, and rather the opposite effect to the rural and semi-rural crowd who are more concerned with bread-and-butter issues. 

Perhaps PH needs to relook at this strategy. It might find that 2018 was, for most intents and purposes a combination of stars aligned in the favour, combined strength of influences and a political climate that was in the mood to punish perceived excesses and incompetence of the government, rather than 1MDB itself. 

It would be tempting for the opposition to downplay the past few elections as not being a true barometer of the people’s will – after all BN performed well without a large increase in popular vote, and in all cases, a reduced voter turnout. 

Yet, to do so would ignore the downward political trend against PH. Apart from a losing by-election streak that triggered the “Sheraton move”, PH has lost four state elections back-to-back, two to GPS and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah respectively and two more to BN. 

Against the backdrop of a fragmented and bickering opposition, BN appears to be a logical choice, despite their differences.  

Political parties in the opposition need to drop their arrogance and ego, assess their own strengths and support base, and realign their narrative before it is too late. – March 16, 2022.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* 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.