1 00:00:00,150 --> 00:00:02,469 Speaker 1: You're listening to a CNA podcast. 2 00:00:08,810 --> 00:00:11,689 Speaker 1: Hello and welcome to CN A correspondent, I'm Steve. And 3 00:00:11,699 --> 00:00:15,619 Speaker 1: on this episode, we're revisiting politics in Malaysia because 4 00:00:19,819 --> 00:00:23,739 Speaker 1: election fever is sweeping Malaysia again with the upcoming polls 5 00:00:23,750 --> 00:00:26,879 Speaker 1: for the control of six states in the peninsula. We 6 00:00:26,889 --> 00:00:32,349 Speaker 1: cannot fail as a government, we cannot fail because this country, 7 00:00:32,360 --> 00:00:38,270 Speaker 1: this beloved Malaysia must be saved and must promote growth 8 00:00:38,279 --> 00:00:42,290 Speaker 1: and become one of the pillars in Southeast Asia than 9 00:00:43,319 --> 00:00:44,150 Speaker 1: diet in Asia. 10 00:00:45,240 --> 00:00:48,009 Speaker 1: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim making a strong pitch to rally 11 00:00:48,020 --> 00:00:51,360 Speaker 1: his supporters while opposition leader and former Prime Minister Mouin 12 00:00:51,369 --> 00:00:54,979 Speaker 1: Yassin focuses on challenging Mr Anwar's record on bread and 13 00:00:54,990 --> 00:01:03,779 Speaker 1: butter issues that he says voters are struggling with former 14 00:01:03,790 --> 00:01:06,360 Speaker 1: Malaysian Premier Mohin Yassin. Speaking to the media in a 15 00:01:06,370 --> 00:01:10,449 Speaker 1: noisy location, maintaining voters are struggling amid the rising cost 16 00:01:10,459 --> 00:01:13,750 Speaker 1: of living and arguing. They haven't seen results from Prime 17 00:01:13,760 --> 00:01:14,220 Speaker 1: Minister Anwar. 18 00:01:15,279 --> 00:01:18,790 Speaker 1: So the verbal sparring and campaign rallies are well underway 19 00:01:18,940 --> 00:01:21,680 Speaker 1: as candidates are out and about to try and convince 20 00:01:21,690 --> 00:01:25,360 Speaker 1: 9.7 million eligible voters that they are worthy of one 21 00:01:25,370 --> 00:01:29,039 Speaker 1: of the 245 state assembly seats up for grabs. And 22 00:01:29,050 --> 00:01:32,209 Speaker 1: although these six state elections have no direct impact on 23 00:01:32,220 --> 00:01:35,190 Speaker 1: the federal government. They come just nine months after the 24 00:01:35,199 --> 00:01:38,370 Speaker 1: country's last general election and are widely seen as a 25 00:01:38,379 --> 00:01:42,349 Speaker 1: referendum on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his unity government. 26 00:01:43,349 --> 00:01:45,599 Speaker 1: Our Malaysia team has been hard at work as always 27 00:01:45,610 --> 00:01:47,760 Speaker 1: to keep you up to date with all the twists 28 00:01:47,769 --> 00:01:50,540 Speaker 1: and turns and they've been bolstered by reinforcements from our 29 00:01:50,550 --> 00:01:53,449 Speaker 1: headquarters here in Singapore as we edge closer to election 30 00:01:53,459 --> 00:01:56,680 Speaker 1: day on the 12th of August. So I'm incredibly grateful 31 00:01:56,690 --> 00:01:59,569 Speaker 1: that our correspondents, Melissa Goh and Afia Ain have made 32 00:01:59,580 --> 00:02:01,400 Speaker 1: some time to talk to me today. 33 00:02:01,669 --> 00:02:05,760 Speaker 1: Me on a FIFA. Welcome. You guys must be busy. Well, 34 00:02:05,769 --> 00:02:09,660 Speaker 2: we're right in the midst of the election so we're very, 35 00:02:09,669 --> 00:02:10,570 Speaker 2: very busy at this 36 00:02:10,580 --> 00:02:14,429 Speaker 1: point. Yeah, I'm traveling, I'm in the road. We can 37 00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:17,460 Speaker 1: see that you're in a car as we speak. Can't 38 00:02:17,470 --> 00:02:19,678 Speaker 1: tell that on the podcast perhaps, but I can assure 39 00:02:19,690 --> 00:02:22,490 Speaker 1: our listeners that, yeah, Mel is parked up somewhere safe 40 00:02:22,500 --> 00:02:24,600 Speaker 1: and secure to talk to us today. Set the scene 41 00:02:24,610 --> 00:02:24,859 Speaker 1: for us 42 00:02:24,949 --> 00:02:27,490 Speaker 1: first mail if you could. Why are these state elections 43 00:02:27,500 --> 00:02:30,619 Speaker 1: uh different from usual? Well, in the past, right, these 44 00:02:30,630 --> 00:02:32,690 Speaker 1: state elections they were held at the same time or 45 00:02:32,699 --> 00:02:36,130 Speaker 1: concurrently with the national polls. So voters, they go to 46 00:02:36,139 --> 00:02:39,250 Speaker 1: a polling center, they will receive two ballots, one to 47 00:02:39,258 --> 00:02:42,679 Speaker 1: choose their mps and other to choose their state assemblyman. Now, 48 00:02:42,690 --> 00:02:47,160 Speaker 1: except for the three PS pair states they had to 49 00:02:47,169 --> 00:02:48,139 Speaker 1: oppose together, 50 00:02:48,300 --> 00:02:50,859 Speaker 1: all of the states are now held at different times. 51 00:02:50,869 --> 00:02:52,758 Speaker 1: The state elections, which means that we are going to 52 00:02:52,770 --> 00:02:56,589 Speaker 1: be even busier. So almost every year, once the 10 53 00:02:56,600 --> 00:03:00,240 Speaker 1: year expires, we'll see another state elections and another one. 54 00:03:00,250 --> 00:03:02,549 Speaker 1: So and it's also very costly to do the state 55 00:03:02,559 --> 00:03:06,380 Speaker 1: elections separately. A lot harder to predict as well because 56 00:03:06,389 --> 00:03:09,960 Speaker 1: traditionally voters right, they will send the opposition to parliament 57 00:03:09,970 --> 00:03:11,419 Speaker 1: for better checks and balance 58 00:03:11,690 --> 00:03:14,829 Speaker 1: and vote for assemblyman that aligned to government for better 59 00:03:14,839 --> 00:03:17,919 Speaker 1: state federal relations. So they get more funds and so on. 60 00:03:18,139 --> 00:03:21,970 Speaker 1: But this time around will they do differently because things 61 00:03:21,979 --> 00:03:25,109 Speaker 1: are very complicated on the ground. There's intense fighting going 62 00:03:25,119 --> 00:03:27,649 Speaker 1: on with the opposition and they are all up, you know, 63 00:03:27,660 --> 00:03:32,009 Speaker 1: to rest the state. So to destabilize a unity government. 64 00:03:32,020 --> 00:03:34,970 Speaker 1: So the outcome is going to be seen as a 65 00:03:34,979 --> 00:03:37,759 Speaker 1: referendum like on a administration. 66 00:03:38,039 --> 00:03:41,860 Speaker 1: Another key difference this time around is the coalition dynamics. 67 00:03:42,070 --> 00:03:45,449 Speaker 1: A FIFA Anwar's progressive multiethnic coalition will be pitted against 68 00:03:45,460 --> 00:03:48,630 Speaker 1: the mostly conservative ethnic Malay Muslim alliance led by former 69 00:03:48,639 --> 00:03:51,960 Speaker 1: Premier Maud Yassin. And these elections will showcase the competition 70 00:03:51,970 --> 00:03:54,130 Speaker 1: between these two alliances. 71 00:03:54,380 --> 00:03:57,479 Speaker 2: Well, yeah, Malaysia has always been a two party state 72 00:03:57,490 --> 00:03:59,229 Speaker 2: for for decades, but since two, 73 00:03:59,326 --> 00:04:02,235 Speaker 2: 2008 and in the last few elections that we saw 74 00:04:02,246 --> 00:04:05,225 Speaker 2: the state elections by elections and the last Ge in 75 00:04:05,235 --> 00:04:09,145 Speaker 2: November last year, there were three main coalitions right in 76 00:04:09,156 --> 00:04:13,595 Speaker 2: Ge 15 in particular, we had Paisa National National and Paan. 77 00:04:14,686 --> 00:04:18,006 Speaker 2: But this time around it is just two sides. Once again, 78 00:04:18,115 --> 00:04:20,515 Speaker 2: the Unity government alliance or the 79 00:04:20,630 --> 00:04:24,821 Speaker 2: G comprising BN and Ph against PN. And for the UG, 80 00:04:24,830 --> 00:04:26,799 Speaker 2: of course, they've had to settle a lot of the 81 00:04:26,811 --> 00:04:30,580 Speaker 2: internal differences among their various parties and coalitions to really 82 00:04:30,591 --> 00:04:34,400 Speaker 2: optimize on their seat allocations. In G 15. We also 83 00:04:34,411 --> 00:04:37,800 Speaker 2: saw multi conne fights everywhere. There was a minimum of 84 00:04:37,811 --> 00:04:40,061 Speaker 2: three fights in some seats. You know, we even saw 85 00:04:40,071 --> 00:04:41,821 Speaker 2: up to 10 candidates contesting 86 00:04:42,070 --> 00:04:44,899 Speaker 2: this election. Though majority of the seats about 100 and 87 00:04:44,910 --> 00:04:49,089 Speaker 2: 80 or about 73% of the 245 seats will see 88 00:04:49,100 --> 00:04:52,239 Speaker 2: straight fights. So there's really not that much choice for 89 00:04:52,250 --> 00:04:54,808 Speaker 2: voters this time around and, and this, you know, two 90 00:04:54,820 --> 00:04:58,440 Speaker 2: coalition battle is even seen in, in terms of the flags, 91 00:04:58,640 --> 00:05:01,640 Speaker 2: the flag war. So every time an election comes around, 92 00:05:01,649 --> 00:05:05,029 Speaker 2: Malaysia is very lively. We see different colored flags light 93 00:05:05,040 --> 00:05:06,420 Speaker 2: in banners, lighting the road, 94 00:05:06,515 --> 00:05:10,204 Speaker 2: we have red and blue and teal and green and orange, 95 00:05:10,214 --> 00:05:12,325 Speaker 2: whatever the color is, you, you name it, it's there 96 00:05:12,334 --> 00:05:15,424 Speaker 2: on the roads. But this time when I was traveling around, 97 00:05:15,625 --> 00:05:18,545 Speaker 2: it's the atmosphere is not as colorful as it used 98 00:05:18,553 --> 00:05:21,474 Speaker 2: to be because you'd either see a green or teal 99 00:05:21,484 --> 00:05:24,924 Speaker 2: flag versus navy blue flag in areas where PN is 100 00:05:24,934 --> 00:05:28,385 Speaker 2: up against Ph or a teal versus red in areas 101 00:05:28,394 --> 00:05:30,945 Speaker 2: where PN is up against Ph. 102 00:05:31,424 --> 00:05:33,993 Speaker 1: Yeah. So there's a, a different dynamic certainly and a 103 00:05:34,005 --> 00:05:36,184 Speaker 1: different taste to these state elections. 104 00:05:36,440 --> 00:05:40,179 Speaker 1: On top of everyone's minds meal is economic concerns always 105 00:05:40,190 --> 00:05:42,339 Speaker 1: comes down to this. It seems a slowing economy and 106 00:05:42,350 --> 00:05:45,470 Speaker 1: higher cost of living will be major election issues for voters. 107 00:05:45,480 --> 00:05:47,970 Speaker 1: The state polls will provide an opportunity for voters to 108 00:05:47,980 --> 00:05:50,890 Speaker 1: express their concerns about the economy and living expenses. That's 109 00:05:50,899 --> 00:05:53,570 Speaker 1: certainly the message that we heard earlier from Yassin. 110 00:05:54,420 --> 00:05:56,760 Speaker 1: Oh, indeed. I mean the so called bread and butter 111 00:05:56,769 --> 00:06:00,700 Speaker 1: issues are uppermost in the minds of voters, regardless in 112 00:06:00,709 --> 00:06:04,529 Speaker 1: rural places or urban centers. The rising cost of living 113 00:06:04,540 --> 00:06:08,260 Speaker 1: the search in food prices hurt everyone in particular, the 114 00:06:08,269 --> 00:06:11,789 Speaker 1: lower middle income groups. Now the urban poor, many are 115 00:06:11,799 --> 00:06:16,190 Speaker 1: complaining prices didn't come down despite the promises by Prime 116 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:19,230 Speaker 1: Minister A some were really disappointed and that's 117 00:06:19,642 --> 00:06:24,403 Speaker 1: areas with huge concentration of urban Malay. Some places I visited, 118 00:06:24,532 --> 00:06:29,053 Speaker 1: they are the target the battle ground because opposition NASA 119 00:06:29,062 --> 00:06:32,122 Speaker 1: is trying very hard to ride on this wave of 120 00:06:32,132 --> 00:06:35,863 Speaker 1: public discontent to win over defense sits. And it's also 121 00:06:35,872 --> 00:06:38,872 Speaker 1: not true that Prime Minister Anna isn't doing anything because 122 00:06:38,882 --> 00:06:43,183 Speaker 1: he has unveiled the Madani economic blueprint days before nomination 123 00:06:43,213 --> 00:06:44,393 Speaker 1: to put the country on a 124 00:06:44,485 --> 00:06:47,876 Speaker 1: make a stronger footing. And also talking about new engine 125 00:06:47,885 --> 00:06:50,895 Speaker 1: of growth, the renewable energy transition road map and so 126 00:06:50,906 --> 00:06:55,066 Speaker 1: on digitalization automation. He rightly pointed out that the country 127 00:06:55,075 --> 00:06:57,665 Speaker 1: is stuck in a vicious cycle of low cost, low 128 00:06:57,675 --> 00:07:01,105 Speaker 1: wages as where we are now. But these plans right 129 00:07:01,115 --> 00:07:03,585 Speaker 1: that he put forward, they will take time to implement 130 00:07:03,906 --> 00:07:08,055 Speaker 1: and political and economic stability as well as market confidence. 131 00:07:08,075 --> 00:07:09,555 Speaker 1: It goes hand in hand. You see. 132 00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:12,100 Speaker 1: Yeah. And will he get the time? I guess that 133 00:07:12,109 --> 00:07:14,779 Speaker 1: is the question, Aviva we've often seen in Malaysia that 134 00:07:14,790 --> 00:07:18,790 Speaker 1: these elections are often a battle for Malay votes as 135 00:07:18,799 --> 00:07:21,510 Speaker 1: both sides recognize the importance of securing the support of 136 00:07:21,519 --> 00:07:24,619 Speaker 1: the predominant Malay community. In fact, the stability of any 137 00:07:24,630 --> 00:07:27,149 Speaker 1: government in Malaysia relies on the support of the Malay electorate. 138 00:07:28,079 --> 00:07:30,720 Speaker 2: Yeah, it has been the perennial question that frames every 139 00:07:30,730 --> 00:07:32,959 Speaker 2: election in Malaysia who will win the support of the 140 00:07:32,970 --> 00:07:35,709 Speaker 2: Malays who make up two thirds, more than two thirds 141 00:07:35,720 --> 00:07:38,730 Speaker 2: of the total electorate. So something like Mel said earlier, 142 00:07:38,739 --> 00:07:42,790 Speaker 2: those are the battleground seats, both sides will be really 143 00:07:42,799 --> 00:07:46,290 Speaker 2: trying and going all out in the Malay majority areas 144 00:07:46,299 --> 00:07:48,920 Speaker 2: to win in those seats in this election. We're looking 145 00:07:48,929 --> 00:07:50,260 Speaker 2: at states like Tan 146 00:07:50,850 --> 00:07:55,140 Speaker 2: in Ghana which have more than 80 to 90% Malay population. 147 00:07:55,149 --> 00:07:57,700 Speaker 2: So to win there, there's really only one community of 148 00:07:57,709 --> 00:08:00,829 Speaker 2: votes that you need to really fight for in the 149 00:08:00,839 --> 00:08:04,119 Speaker 2: more urban states like slang or Pinang, mixed seats are 150 00:08:04,130 --> 00:08:07,640 Speaker 2: usually the vote banks for the opposition and back then, 151 00:08:07,829 --> 00:08:10,690 Speaker 2: but there still is a number of Malay majority seats 152 00:08:10,700 --> 00:08:13,260 Speaker 2: like on mainland Pinang or on the fringes of sla 153 00:08:13,619 --> 00:08:16,790 Speaker 2: So these seats based on the previous GE voters would 154 00:08:16,799 --> 00:08:19,989 Speaker 2: pick a Malay based party and that has traditionally been 155 00:08:20,019 --> 00:08:22,829 Speaker 2: A or BN. But now those areas have moved to 156 00:08:22,839 --> 00:08:26,369 Speaker 2: PN as we saw on the NGE 15. This time round, 157 00:08:26,380 --> 00:08:28,700 Speaker 2: it is up to BN as part of that UG 158 00:08:28,709 --> 00:08:32,030 Speaker 2: alliance who win the Malay votes in those areas and 159 00:08:32,039 --> 00:08:36,330 Speaker 2: keep and Pinang, for example, as true Ph strongholds 160 00:08:36,809 --> 00:08:39,380 Speaker 1: me NA FIFA. You've set the scene perfectly for us. 161 00:08:39,390 --> 00:08:41,719 Speaker 1: Still ahead here on CNN correspondent, we'll get the State 162 00:08:41,729 --> 00:08:44,900 Speaker 1: of Play state by state with Melan A FIFA. And 163 00:08:44,909 --> 00:08:47,919 Speaker 1: I'll ask them how vulnerable Anwar Ibrahim's unity government is. 164 00:08:47,929 --> 00:08:50,218 Speaker 1: If they don't do well at the polls, 165 00:08:55,539 --> 00:08:58,750 Speaker 1: are you looking for ways to make your money work harder, 166 00:08:58,780 --> 00:09:03,989 Speaker 1: tips on saving investing or retiring early perhaps? Or advice 167 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:07,510 Speaker 1: on big ticket decisions like buying a house or owning 168 00:09:07,520 --> 00:09:12,150 Speaker 1: a car. I'm Andrea. He host of CNAs Top personal 169 00:09:12,159 --> 00:09:14,589 Speaker 1: finance podcast, Money Talks. And the, 170 00:09:14,674 --> 00:09:17,614 Speaker 1: these are some of the things we find out for you. 171 00:09:17,914 --> 00:09:21,304 Speaker 1: Each week. I get a guest to share personal stories 172 00:09:21,315 --> 00:09:24,593 Speaker 1: and answer burning questions that help you make sense of 173 00:09:24,604 --> 00:09:28,505 Speaker 1: the latest financial trends. Go check out the complete money 174 00:09:28,515 --> 00:09:32,614 Speaker 1: talks playlist on the CN A app, Spotify, Google or 175 00:09:32,625 --> 00:09:33,744 Speaker 1: Apple podcasts. 176 00:09:40,109 --> 00:09:42,270 Speaker 1: Welcome back here with me, Steve Lai and Melan FIFA 177 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:44,640 Speaker 1: are with me as well. Now let's go state by 178 00:09:44,650 --> 00:09:47,479 Speaker 1: state and we'll start with Sala, the most popular state 179 00:09:47,489 --> 00:09:51,039 Speaker 1: in Malaysia its diverse population of Malays, Chinese and Indians 180 00:09:51,049 --> 00:09:54,039 Speaker 1: make the state microcosm of Malaysia. If you like of 181 00:09:54,049 --> 00:09:58,099 Speaker 1: more than 3.7 million eligible voters, many are from urban areas. 182 00:09:58,109 --> 00:10:00,320 Speaker 1: Mel is it fair to say that they are likely 183 00:10:00,330 --> 00:10:04,579 Speaker 1: to be more politically engaged and informed than rural voters perhaps? 184 00:10:04,590 --> 00:10:05,020 Speaker 1: And will this 185 00:10:05,096 --> 00:10:08,596 Speaker 1: benefit the ruling government? Yes and no. Because while rapid 186 00:10:08,606 --> 00:10:13,155 Speaker 1: urbanization definitely has improved people's livelihood and city folks are 187 00:10:13,166 --> 00:10:16,437 Speaker 1: more in tune with government policies in a way compared 188 00:10:16,447 --> 00:10:19,976 Speaker 1: to rural folks. And they are harder to be swayed 189 00:10:19,986 --> 00:10:24,655 Speaker 1: by the racial or religious rhetorics presumably. But urbanization also 190 00:10:24,666 --> 00:10:28,307 Speaker 1: has its own problems as cities have become more congested 191 00:10:28,317 --> 00:10:30,006 Speaker 1: and squeezed. Some. See 192 00:10:30,573 --> 00:10:34,414 Speaker 1: I visited like and Hulu Klang and so on. They 193 00:10:34,424 --> 00:10:38,333 Speaker 1: have huge concentration of urban poor now, mostly Malays and 194 00:10:38,343 --> 00:10:41,583 Speaker 1: that's where the economic pains are most acutely felt by them. 195 00:10:41,674 --> 00:10:44,693 Speaker 1: And and they lament, they complain about Prime Minister, a 196 00:10:44,934 --> 00:10:48,174 Speaker 1: government not doing much over the past eight months to 197 00:10:48,184 --> 00:10:52,403 Speaker 1: help them. Prices continue to soar and Batan Haran government 198 00:10:52,414 --> 00:10:54,794 Speaker 1: and you know, will have to tackle that quickly or 199 00:10:54,804 --> 00:10:54,994 Speaker 1: risk 200 00:10:55,070 --> 00:10:58,151 Speaker 1: are losing the Malay ground further. Now, the opposition led 201 00:10:58,160 --> 00:11:02,901 Speaker 1: by former Chief Minister Azmin Ali is dangling carrots every 202 00:11:02,910 --> 00:11:07,950 Speaker 1: day promising no parking fees, free water, free parking to voters. 203 00:11:07,960 --> 00:11:11,080 Speaker 1: So right now it's an all out war out there 204 00:11:11,111 --> 00:11:13,950 Speaker 1: and the fence sitters are what that counts. And if 205 00:11:13,960 --> 00:11:15,520 Speaker 1: we just stay with you mel for a moment and 206 00:11:15,530 --> 00:11:18,309 Speaker 1: speak about. And it's one of the smallest among the 207 00:11:18,320 --> 00:11:21,281 Speaker 1: six states in terms of population. The electorate there is 208 00:11:21,291 --> 00:11:23,059 Speaker 1: just over 860,000. 209 00:11:23,390 --> 00:11:26,030 Speaker 1: It's the only state in the peninsula where the Moj 210 00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:29,840 Speaker 1: led coalition. Brita National had failed to make inroads during 211 00:11:29,849 --> 00:11:33,250 Speaker 1: the general election in November. Is this an indication that 212 00:11:33,260 --> 00:11:35,409 Speaker 1: it might be an easy win for the Anwar led 213 00:11:35,419 --> 00:11:40,869 Speaker 1: coalition on August 12th again? Yes and no, because nobody 214 00:11:40,880 --> 00:11:41,799 Speaker 1: really knows, 215 00:11:42,929 --> 00:11:46,119 Speaker 1: know for sure because it's the first time as a 216 00:11:46,130 --> 00:11:50,219 Speaker 1: FIFA pointed out that Nu and Dap and PKR from, 217 00:11:50,989 --> 00:11:54,229 Speaker 1: they are working together on the ground to convince their 218 00:11:54,239 --> 00:11:57,650 Speaker 1: base to support each other candidates. Is there going to 219 00:11:57,659 --> 00:12:01,020 Speaker 1: be sabotage? Well, some observers are saying that they can't 220 00:12:01,030 --> 00:12:03,409 Speaker 1: be ruled out because the A P and am they've 221 00:12:03,419 --> 00:12:07,270 Speaker 1: been so enemies, arch rivals for decades and voters, some 222 00:12:07,280 --> 00:12:10,439 Speaker 1: are still confused with this union with this electoral pact. 223 00:12:10,669 --> 00:12:14,679 Speaker 1: So there is no baseline data to work on like 224 00:12:14,690 --> 00:12:18,400 Speaker 1: ph strategies. Rafi Romney was saying that they, we don't 225 00:12:18,409 --> 00:12:22,960 Speaker 1: know exactly how this vote transferability is going to go 226 00:12:22,969 --> 00:12:26,598 Speaker 1: which side will gain more ultimately. So the consensus right 227 00:12:26,609 --> 00:12:30,659 Speaker 1: now is PN you know, probably will gain a foothold 228 00:12:30,734 --> 00:12:35,534 Speaker 1: or to in the Greece and, and may lose some seats. Ok. 229 00:12:35,544 --> 00:12:37,325 Speaker 1: We'll talk a bit more about the unity government in 230 00:12:37,335 --> 00:12:39,674 Speaker 1: Anwar a bit later on and let's move over to Klan, 231 00:12:40,125 --> 00:12:42,564 Speaker 1: the northeastern state. It has a population of about 2 232 00:12:42,575 --> 00:12:46,145 Speaker 1: million of which more than 95% are Malay Muslims. The 233 00:12:46,155 --> 00:12:48,694 Speaker 1: state has been a stronghold of Islamic Party past for 234 00:12:48,705 --> 00:12:52,465 Speaker 1: most of Malaysia's post independence history, Aviva is it unlikely 235 00:12:52,474 --> 00:12:54,905 Speaker 1: that the Anwar coalition will make any significant gains here? 236 00:12:55,469 --> 00:12:58,080 Speaker 2: You know, Mel was just saying yes and no, it's uncertain, 237 00:12:58,090 --> 00:13:01,380 Speaker 2: but that's not the case in it will be very, very, 238 00:13:01,390 --> 00:13:05,020 Speaker 2: very hard for that unity government alliance to make any 239 00:13:05,030 --> 00:13:08,900 Speaker 2: sort of inroads into Clanton. Because that Northeastern state is 240 00:13:08,909 --> 00:13:12,710 Speaker 2: such a strong bus area, you know, in itself is 241 00:13:12,719 --> 00:13:15,099 Speaker 2: very unique. It has like you said, a population of 242 00:13:15,109 --> 00:13:17,978 Speaker 2: more than 95% Muslims. The state is known as 243 00:13:18,067 --> 00:13:22,396 Speaker 2: the Veranda of Mecca celebrated for its Islamic learning and scholars. 244 00:13:22,405 --> 00:13:25,796 Speaker 2: So the population there of course, is very, very conservative 245 00:13:25,807 --> 00:13:29,127 Speaker 2: and the people there want to sort of Islamic State, 246 00:13:29,136 --> 00:13:31,206 Speaker 2: it's not to say that, you know, they're not tolerant 247 00:13:31,216 --> 00:13:33,706 Speaker 2: of other races and religions. I mean, they are the 248 00:13:33,716 --> 00:13:38,007 Speaker 2: largest sitting Buddha in Southeast Asia is in. But when 249 00:13:38,017 --> 00:13:40,396 Speaker 2: I spoke to people in Clanton, you know, they tell 250 00:13:40,405 --> 00:13:40,577 Speaker 2: me that 251 00:13:40,664 --> 00:13:43,674 Speaker 2: they expect their leaders to be first and foremost Muslim 252 00:13:43,843 --> 00:13:48,513 Speaker 2: and secondly, someone who embodies Islamic values. So that's their priority. 253 00:13:48,544 --> 00:13:51,814 Speaker 2: And because of that they're rejecting any party that seem 254 00:13:51,823 --> 00:13:55,044 Speaker 2: to be more secular. So they've disregarded the fact that, 255 00:13:55,054 --> 00:13:57,953 Speaker 2: you know, past having led the state for decades now. 256 00:13:57,963 --> 00:14:01,123 Speaker 2: And even then, there's not much material development in the state. 257 00:14:01,244 --> 00:14:03,174 Speaker 2: They don't care because they don't want to, 258 00:14:03,260 --> 00:14:06,319 Speaker 2: the unity government that's seen as more secular with a 259 00:14:06,330 --> 00:14:10,829 Speaker 2: multi ethnic composition. So it's very hard for, to choose 260 00:14:10,841 --> 00:14:12,070 Speaker 2: anyone else over 261 00:14:12,080 --> 00:14:14,280 Speaker 1: pass. Ok. So that one seems to be locked up 262 00:14:14,291 --> 00:14:16,920 Speaker 1: then is a state on the east coast of Peninsula 263 00:14:16,931 --> 00:14:20,551 Speaker 1: Malaysia with an electorate of about 930,000. The state also 264 00:14:20,560 --> 00:14:23,510 Speaker 1: has a majority Muslim population and Islamic party pass has 265 00:14:23,520 --> 00:14:27,810 Speaker 1: ruled the state since 2018. I suppose it's going to 266 00:14:27,820 --> 00:14:28,640 Speaker 1: go the same way as Klan. 267 00:14:29,690 --> 00:14:33,119 Speaker 2: Well likely because for decades, the battle in Trengganu itself 268 00:14:33,130 --> 00:14:35,969 Speaker 2: has always been between Islamic Party past and am no. 269 00:14:36,179 --> 00:14:39,030 Speaker 2: In fact, the Pakatan Haran coalition, it can be said 270 00:14:39,039 --> 00:14:42,619 Speaker 2: that they're virtually nonexistent in, in those two east coast states. 271 00:14:42,729 --> 00:14:45,859 Speaker 2: It's very, very dominated by past and am no this 272 00:14:45,869 --> 00:14:48,669 Speaker 2: time round the last ge at least on the two 273 00:14:48,679 --> 00:14:51,320 Speaker 2: states on the East coast. It's a complete wipe out 274 00:14:51,330 --> 00:14:54,780 Speaker 2: by Prica National in in the for the parliamentary seats. 275 00:14:54,909 --> 00:14:57,599 Speaker 2: The focus on re this time however, is on the 276 00:14:57,609 --> 00:14:58,580 Speaker 2: youth vote. So 277 00:14:58,780 --> 00:15:02,369 Speaker 2: Deputy Prime Minister Zed Hamidi a couple of days before nomination, 278 00:15:02,380 --> 00:15:04,349 Speaker 2: he went on stage and he addressed the youth saying 279 00:15:04,359 --> 00:15:06,940 Speaker 2: that the government is going to give additional grants to 280 00:15:06,950 --> 00:15:10,349 Speaker 2: the Youth Association in to develop any sort of youth 281 00:15:10,369 --> 00:15:14,440 Speaker 2: related activities. And this may be increased depending on the 282 00:15:14,450 --> 00:15:17,690 Speaker 2: outcome of the state elections in August 12th. So he 283 00:15:17,700 --> 00:15:20,659 Speaker 2: was trying to get them to support the federal government. 284 00:15:20,789 --> 00:15:22,979 Speaker 2: Of course, some people have slammed this as, as vote 285 00:15:22,989 --> 00:15:25,809 Speaker 2: buying corruption. Bureau has said there's no element of corruption, 286 00:15:25,820 --> 00:15:27,559 Speaker 2: but this hasn't stopped the opposition 287 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:31,000 Speaker 2: parties from, you know, criticizing the move and bringing this 288 00:15:31,010 --> 00:15:34,260 Speaker 2: topic up at rallies. But whether the youth will actually 289 00:15:34,270 --> 00:15:37,299 Speaker 2: buy into what the federal government is promising is another 290 00:15:37,309 --> 00:15:40,409 Speaker 2: thing altogether because we know that it's been very difficult 291 00:15:40,419 --> 00:15:43,429 Speaker 2: to predict the voting patterns of the young people and 292 00:15:43,440 --> 00:15:47,140 Speaker 2: this upcoming state elections, it's very hard to gauge their 293 00:15:47,150 --> 00:15:50,210 Speaker 2: support because it's inconsistent and not bound to a single 294 00:15:50,219 --> 00:15:53,789 Speaker 2: political party. So we'll have to see what plays out in. 295 00:15:54,799 --> 00:15:57,219 Speaker 1: Ok, let's move on to Penang. It's a small but 296 00:15:57,229 --> 00:16:00,530 Speaker 1: highly populated state where more than 1.2 million are eligible 297 00:16:00,539 --> 00:16:03,340 Speaker 1: to cast their votes in this election. The island has 298 00:16:03,349 --> 00:16:06,570 Speaker 1: a large Chinese population which has traditionally supported dap a 299 00:16:06,580 --> 00:16:11,450 Speaker 1: component party of Anwar's coalition government. However, Penang's mainland comprises 300 00:16:11,460 --> 00:16:14,590 Speaker 1: of a significant number of Malay majority seats where the 301 00:16:15,070 --> 00:16:19,179 Speaker 1: coalition gained some traction. Uh last year. Mel. So what 302 00:16:19,190 --> 00:16:20,030 Speaker 1: can we expect here? 303 00:16:20,530 --> 00:16:24,159 Speaker 1: Well, there are some 15 Malay majority seats right now 304 00:16:24,169 --> 00:16:28,239 Speaker 1: in Penang, mostly on the mainland which the opposition NASA 305 00:16:28,590 --> 00:16:31,200 Speaker 1: and Islamic party pass. They are working very hard on 306 00:16:31,210 --> 00:16:35,090 Speaker 1: the ground to make further inroads. They won three parliamentary 307 00:16:35,099 --> 00:16:39,280 Speaker 1: constituency in the last general election in November and even 308 00:16:39,289 --> 00:16:43,960 Speaker 1: an original seat in succumbed to the so called Green 309 00:16:43,969 --> 00:16:44,500 Speaker 1: Wave 310 00:16:44,596 --> 00:16:47,546 Speaker 1: Prime Minister a when he was there doing his round, 311 00:16:47,716 --> 00:16:50,995 Speaker 1: I managed to catch him. He blamed it basically on 312 00:16:51,005 --> 00:16:57,075 Speaker 1: past spreading lies about Islam and stoking racial hatred, racial 313 00:16:57,085 --> 00:17:00,685 Speaker 1: tensions and it's, it's dangerous. He said and must be stopped. 314 00:17:00,695 --> 00:17:04,605 Speaker 1: Pa has been very close with the community for years. 315 00:17:04,615 --> 00:17:07,285 Speaker 1: They've been there for many, many years for a long time, 316 00:17:07,296 --> 00:17:08,586 Speaker 1: networking through them, 317 00:17:08,682 --> 00:17:13,182 Speaker 1: mosques through prayers of the mainland and many seats are, 318 00:17:13,222 --> 00:17:16,601 Speaker 1: they're less developed compared to the island. So Pinang is 319 00:17:16,612 --> 00:17:20,232 Speaker 1: a very cosmopolitan and there's really a huge disconnect between 320 00:17:20,241 --> 00:17:23,592 Speaker 1: the mainland and and the island after so many years. 321 00:17:23,602 --> 00:17:27,650 Speaker 1: And the green appears to be pushing further southwards to 322 00:17:27,661 --> 00:17:31,352 Speaker 1: other state seats in Penang. There are 40 seats in Penang. 323 00:17:31,362 --> 00:17:32,670 Speaker 1: So Dap is likely 324 00:17:32,767 --> 00:17:35,998 Speaker 1: to gain most of them and retain Pinang. So it's 325 00:17:36,008 --> 00:17:39,348 Speaker 1: just a matter of denying two thirds majority. Now having 326 00:17:39,358 --> 00:17:41,858 Speaker 1: said that I've met some young past leaders on the 327 00:17:41,868 --> 00:17:45,297 Speaker 1: ground in Penang. For me, it was refreshing because they 328 00:17:45,307 --> 00:17:49,977 Speaker 1: are not your traditional, they are professionals. They have degrees 329 00:17:49,988 --> 00:17:53,637 Speaker 1: in religious studies and they are, they are very articulate. 330 00:17:53,657 --> 00:17:56,267 Speaker 1: They talk about being in power one day in the 331 00:17:56,277 --> 00:17:56,758 Speaker 1: federal government 332 00:17:56,854 --> 00:18:00,354 Speaker 1: government to raise the livelihood of the people. They talk 333 00:18:00,364 --> 00:18:03,963 Speaker 1: about boosting tourism in the States that was refreshing too. 334 00:18:03,984 --> 00:18:08,703 Speaker 1: So things are changing on the ground. It's a different leak. Now, 335 00:18:08,713 --> 00:18:12,463 Speaker 1: as far as past candidates, they are bringing professionals, they 336 00:18:12,473 --> 00:18:16,024 Speaker 1: are bringing the religious scholars that are brought back from overseas. 337 00:18:16,034 --> 00:18:19,173 Speaker 1: So it's going to be hard for the government to 338 00:18:19,183 --> 00:18:20,832 Speaker 1: actually crack this round 339 00:18:21,150 --> 00:18:23,890 Speaker 1: that brings us to our final state. It's considered a 340 00:18:23,900 --> 00:18:26,399 Speaker 1: key battleground in this election. And that's because over the 341 00:18:26,410 --> 00:18:29,300 Speaker 1: past few years, the state has switched hands several times. 342 00:18:29,310 --> 00:18:32,188 Speaker 1: The incumbent state government is Islamic Party, which we've been 343 00:18:32,199 --> 00:18:35,260 Speaker 1: talking about quite a bit led by Chief Minister Sanusi. 344 00:18:35,280 --> 00:18:37,819 Speaker 1: Uh he's a rather controversial figure at FIFA. And as 345 00:18:37,829 --> 00:18:40,119 Speaker 1: more than 1.5 million voters gear up to cast their 346 00:18:40,130 --> 00:18:42,520 Speaker 1: ballots in August. Can you tell us more about the 347 00:18:42,530 --> 00:18:44,969 Speaker 1: ground sentiments there? But perhaps a bit a quick word 348 00:18:44,979 --> 00:18:46,339 Speaker 1: on Chief Minister Sanusi? 349 00:18:46,770 --> 00:18:50,310 Speaker 2: Well, Sanusi Mohammad Noor I think is one of the 350 00:18:50,319 --> 00:18:53,719 Speaker 2: stars in this election. The spotlight has been on him 351 00:18:53,729 --> 00:18:57,510 Speaker 2: many times. Everyone is just waiting for what he will 352 00:18:57,520 --> 00:19:01,239 Speaker 2: say next because he's a controversial figure. He often engages 353 00:19:01,250 --> 00:19:04,810 Speaker 2: in verbal battles with rival politicians. He's really known for 354 00:19:04,819 --> 00:19:07,399 Speaker 2: all his fiery speeches at rallies, some of which have 355 00:19:07,410 --> 00:19:10,689 Speaker 2: got him into trouble. So we know he's currently claiming 356 00:19:10,699 --> 00:19:14,750 Speaker 2: trial for allegedly making seditious statements against Malaysia's royalty at 357 00:19:14,760 --> 00:19:15,938 Speaker 2: a political rally in. 358 00:19:16,625 --> 00:19:20,514 Speaker 2: But despite all that, Mr Sanusi, he remains highly adored 359 00:19:20,525 --> 00:19:23,305 Speaker 2: by the locals in Qar. They see him as a 360 00:19:23,314 --> 00:19:25,954 Speaker 2: man who comes from a humble beginning. And so he's 361 00:19:25,964 --> 00:19:28,694 Speaker 2: able to relate to the plight of the people when 362 00:19:28,704 --> 00:19:31,364 Speaker 2: I spoke to people in Qar they said they're all 363 00:19:31,375 --> 00:19:34,135 Speaker 2: behind him. You know, they claim that his charges were 364 00:19:34,145 --> 00:19:36,994 Speaker 2: politically motivated. It was meant to make him lose his 365 00:19:37,005 --> 00:19:39,525 Speaker 2: job as Musa. It was meant to make him look 366 00:19:39,535 --> 00:19:42,204 Speaker 2: bad and hurt his chances at the polls because the, 367 00:19:42,214 --> 00:19:44,935 Speaker 2: the government is threatened by him and what he has 368 00:19:44,944 --> 00:19:45,364 Speaker 2: done 369 00:19:45,520 --> 00:19:49,770 Speaker 2: for the people of Kaal Sanusi is completely unfazed by this. 370 00:19:49,780 --> 00:19:52,010 Speaker 2: In fact, he loves the attention and now it's covering 371 00:19:52,020 --> 00:19:55,069 Speaker 2: him in court justice. You know, the judge had said, ok, 372 00:19:55,079 --> 00:19:58,099 Speaker 2: he decided the dates of the trial, he was discussing 373 00:19:58,109 --> 00:19:59,889 Speaker 2: with some of his people, what he would do the 374 00:19:59,900 --> 00:20:02,569 Speaker 2: moment he steps out of the courtroom and addresses the media. 375 00:20:02,709 --> 00:20:04,949 Speaker 2: So he has this pose where he raises up his 376 00:20:04,959 --> 00:20:08,208 Speaker 2: right hand and it's mocking Prime Minister Anwar's pose when 377 00:20:08,219 --> 00:20:11,339 Speaker 2: he was arrested back in 1998. And so that's what 378 00:20:11,349 --> 00:20:13,569 Speaker 2: he did and the media loves it. We were all 379 00:20:13,579 --> 00:20:14,829 Speaker 2: like really fast 380 00:20:15,214 --> 00:20:18,823 Speaker 2: by his personality, not just that even on nomination day 381 00:20:18,834 --> 00:20:22,425 Speaker 2: when he came into the nomination center, the BNPH crowd, 382 00:20:22,435 --> 00:20:24,655 Speaker 2: they were booing him, they were shouting things at him, 383 00:20:24,665 --> 00:20:27,574 Speaker 2: they was calling him stupid, completely unfazed. He just walks 384 00:20:27,584 --> 00:20:29,435 Speaker 2: up to them, raises up his hand and poses for 385 00:20:29,444 --> 00:20:32,234 Speaker 2: the camera and then provokes them even more by going 386 00:20:32,244 --> 00:20:35,084 Speaker 2: up to the supporters and shaking hands with BN supporters 387 00:20:35,094 --> 00:20:39,415 Speaker 2: as well. So he is a character of his own 388 00:20:39,425 --> 00:20:41,834 Speaker 2: and he's been labeled as a poster boy for PN 389 00:20:41,844 --> 00:20:43,795 Speaker 2: and he's leading the charge in, in, in, 390 00:20:44,479 --> 00:20:48,000 Speaker 2: it's hard for Phnbn to make any inroads in Q 391 00:20:48,140 --> 00:20:51,849 Speaker 2: as well. It's also seen as another Brian stronghold. It 392 00:20:51,859 --> 00:20:54,810 Speaker 2: is a state that's seen as a gateway for power 393 00:20:54,819 --> 00:20:58,140 Speaker 2: expansion for Prikaan into the West Coast PM an has 394 00:20:58,150 --> 00:21:01,479 Speaker 2: been making numerous trips to Q before the elections to 395 00:21:01,489 --> 00:21:04,660 Speaker 2: hand out more allocation. But reception at, at his events 396 00:21:04,670 --> 00:21:06,719 Speaker 2: have been sort of lukewarm. So it remains to be 397 00:21:06,729 --> 00:21:06,790 Speaker 2: seen 398 00:21:06,854 --> 00:21:09,435 Speaker 2: if the people there can be swayed. But having said 399 00:21:09,444 --> 00:21:13,165 Speaker 2: all that is also a place where political tights can shift. 400 00:21:13,175 --> 00:21:17,574 Speaker 2: So even though PN performed remarkably last November, they still 401 00:21:17,584 --> 00:21:19,974 Speaker 2: have to work just as hard to keep their support 402 00:21:19,984 --> 00:21:22,655 Speaker 2: base and stop people from possibly swaying to the other 403 00:21:22,665 --> 00:21:25,104 Speaker 1: side. Well, it certainly sounds like the Chief Minister Sanusi 404 00:21:25,114 --> 00:21:28,354 Speaker 1: knows how to play this game of politics quite this 405 00:21:28,385 --> 00:21:31,385 Speaker 1: up and coming. Where do you think this election will 406 00:21:31,395 --> 00:21:33,804 Speaker 1: be won and lost this question to both of you? 407 00:21:33,814 --> 00:21:35,204 Speaker 1: Really me, you want to go first. 408 00:21:35,500 --> 00:21:39,380 Speaker 1: I think the consensus right now among political observers and 409 00:21:39,390 --> 00:21:43,640 Speaker 1: also some of the sources within both sides, both camps. 410 00:21:43,650 --> 00:21:46,689 Speaker 1: They are saying that it's still a status quo, Ie 411 00:21:47,540 --> 00:21:53,989 Speaker 1: Harapan retains Penang. And although the opposition NAA may win 412 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:57,149 Speaker 1: some seats make further inroads, but it's not going to 413 00:21:57,160 --> 00:22:01,010 Speaker 1: be enough to take for example, the crown jewel. But 414 00:22:01,020 --> 00:22:01,530 Speaker 1: there's a 415 00:22:01,630 --> 00:22:05,159 Speaker 1: significant, usually, you know, judging from previous elections the swing 416 00:22:05,170 --> 00:22:08,069 Speaker 1: usually comes right at the end. So it does a 417 00:22:08,079 --> 00:22:11,079 Speaker 1: significant swing, it comes towards the end in the final 418 00:22:11,089 --> 00:22:15,140 Speaker 1: week that convince Sitters to switch the support for either side. 419 00:22:15,150 --> 00:22:17,540 Speaker 1: I mean, anything can happen. So really, we just have 420 00:22:17,550 --> 00:22:20,500 Speaker 1: to keep a look out for surprises, you know, especially 421 00:22:20,510 --> 00:22:24,319 Speaker 1: viral videos on social media posting. So on all these 422 00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:27,680 Speaker 1: is going to happen, but probably closer towards the polling day. 423 00:22:28,410 --> 00:22:29,989 Speaker 1: If you, for your thoughts, I can see you nodding 424 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:31,859 Speaker 1: along and smiling to a lot of what Mel was saying. 425 00:22:32,520 --> 00:22:36,109 Speaker 2: Yeah, I agree exactly with what Mel said, things will 426 00:22:36,119 --> 00:22:38,439 Speaker 2: ramp up towards the end and then the final days 427 00:22:38,449 --> 00:22:41,089 Speaker 2: is when it really matters. Um and both sides will 428 00:22:41,099 --> 00:22:44,520 Speaker 2: really be going all out to convince fence sitter. But again, 429 00:22:44,530 --> 00:22:46,680 Speaker 2: like what Mel said, I think a lot of people 430 00:22:46,689 --> 00:22:47,750 Speaker 2: are also saying that things will 431 00:22:47,844 --> 00:22:51,435 Speaker 2: the status quo. So three states for PN three states 432 00:22:51,444 --> 00:22:52,655 Speaker 2: for the unity government. 433 00:22:52,974 --> 00:22:56,014 Speaker 1: So is that a good outcome for Anno Ibrahim then 434 00:22:56,025 --> 00:22:59,055 Speaker 1: it seems like going into this election given how strong 435 00:22:59,204 --> 00:23:01,954 Speaker 1: the opposition have on the states that they have control over? 436 00:23:01,964 --> 00:23:04,275 Speaker 1: It seems almost like he has 437 00:23:04,859 --> 00:23:08,750 Speaker 1: everything to lose but nothing to gain. Oh, well, you know, 438 00:23:08,760 --> 00:23:11,150 Speaker 1: it depends who you talk to. I mean, after all, 439 00:23:11,160 --> 00:23:14,479 Speaker 1: it's only been eight months um his unity government, it's 440 00:23:14,489 --> 00:23:16,829 Speaker 1: not a long time and it's also too soon to 441 00:23:16,839 --> 00:23:21,390 Speaker 1: show any significant result. Unfortunately, Mr he has to face 442 00:23:21,400 --> 00:23:26,310 Speaker 1: the electoral test while the opposition, they kept attacking him 443 00:23:26,520 --> 00:23:29,770 Speaker 1: doing it for doing nothing for basically not enough being done, 444 00:23:29,780 --> 00:23:30,290 Speaker 1: blaming him 445 00:23:30,359 --> 00:23:33,589 Speaker 1: for the poor economic management, et cetera. And he held 446 00:23:33,599 --> 00:23:36,969 Speaker 1: the finance ministry portfolio and it's too busy for that, 447 00:23:36,979 --> 00:23:40,949 Speaker 1: but many voters are impatient as well. So time is 448 00:23:40,959 --> 00:23:44,329 Speaker 1: not on, on our side, but he really needs to 449 00:23:44,339 --> 00:23:49,359 Speaker 1: show tangible results to restore confidence. Ge 16 is just 450 00:23:49,369 --> 00:23:52,229 Speaker 1: 348 years away and to strengthen the 451 00:23:52,329 --> 00:23:55,060 Speaker 1: bring it and make sure the economy continues to grow 452 00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:58,339 Speaker 1: and realize the investments that he promised. And while keeping 453 00:23:58,349 --> 00:24:02,079 Speaker 1: his unity government together a lot is depending on global 454 00:24:02,089 --> 00:24:05,380 Speaker 1: trend and it's not within its powers. But right now 455 00:24:05,390 --> 00:24:08,500 Speaker 1: opposition is blaming him for everything. Yeah, I think 456 00:24:08,510 --> 00:24:12,679 Speaker 2: that the challenge for the unity government is also greater 457 00:24:12,689 --> 00:24:14,239 Speaker 2: than for the opposition 458 00:24:14,449 --> 00:24:17,030 Speaker 2: because the indicator of success for the UN T government 459 00:24:17,040 --> 00:24:19,829 Speaker 2: is not as easy as, as PNS for PN. The 460 00:24:19,839 --> 00:24:23,438 Speaker 2: indicator of success is keeping their states and then winning 461 00:24:23,449 --> 00:24:27,659 Speaker 2: a few more malay seats in areas like Sila or so, 462 00:24:27,670 --> 00:24:31,060 Speaker 2: if PN is able to do that, then it's enough 463 00:24:31,069 --> 00:24:33,589 Speaker 2: of an indicator of success for them to tell their 464 00:24:33,599 --> 00:24:36,359 Speaker 2: voters and to tell their supporters that PN is 465 00:24:36,432 --> 00:24:40,082 Speaker 2: on their way to Jaya, it's encroaching into Ph territories. 466 00:24:40,093 --> 00:24:43,181 Speaker 2: It's cementing its, its dominance, at least on the fringes. 467 00:24:43,321 --> 00:24:46,352 Speaker 2: So that's what the unity government will, will have to 468 00:24:46,363 --> 00:24:48,822 Speaker 2: be careful of in this election. And, and I guess 469 00:24:48,833 --> 00:24:51,203 Speaker 2: another thing you know, like what Mel said, also, you know, 470 00:24:51,213 --> 00:24:56,133 Speaker 2: balancing that dynamics internally, this electoral pact going into the 471 00:24:56,142 --> 00:24:58,343 Speaker 2: state elections is also supposed to test 472 00:24:58,416 --> 00:25:02,086 Speaker 2: whether Barisan National is able to be a good component 473 00:25:02,095 --> 00:25:05,296 Speaker 2: member and whether they are able to deliver in terms 474 00:25:05,306 --> 00:25:08,296 Speaker 2: of winning in the Malay areas. And so whether this 475 00:25:08,306 --> 00:25:12,354 Speaker 2: configuration of parties in the unity government can sustain in 476 00:25:12,365 --> 00:25:14,514 Speaker 2: the next ge and whether they can go into the 477 00:25:14,526 --> 00:25:17,505 Speaker 2: next GE together as a block. But again, it depends 478 00:25:17,515 --> 00:25:20,225 Speaker 2: on whether the government can survive until then. 479 00:25:20,609 --> 00:25:22,739 Speaker 1: Yeah, and mel just a final word on that. What 480 00:25:22,750 --> 00:25:26,040 Speaker 1: I was talking about the Unity government and the component 481 00:25:26,050 --> 00:25:28,420 Speaker 1: parts of it, you mentioned earlier how this is the 482 00:25:28,430 --> 00:25:30,729 Speaker 1: sort of the first time they're sort of being tested 483 00:25:30,739 --> 00:25:34,790 Speaker 1: as partners going into an election together. Is that a 484 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:36,199 Speaker 1: concern for Anwar Ibrahim, 485 00:25:36,829 --> 00:25:41,040 Speaker 1: if am his biggest ally that he counts on to 486 00:25:41,050 --> 00:25:44,280 Speaker 1: deliver on the Malay votes, they fail or completely wiped 487 00:25:44,290 --> 00:25:47,520 Speaker 1: out in these six state elections and so on, then 488 00:25:47,530 --> 00:25:50,129 Speaker 1: it will have a ripple effect. Although it's not going 489 00:25:50,140 --> 00:25:53,239 Speaker 1: to have an immediate impact or rock the unity government 490 00:25:53,250 --> 00:25:55,550 Speaker 1: straight away at the federal level, but it will have 491 00:25:55,560 --> 00:25:58,400 Speaker 1: an impact, the parties will start to question why is 492 00:25:58,670 --> 00:26:02,229 Speaker 1: still given such a big role with five ministership and 493 00:26:02,239 --> 00:26:05,719 Speaker 1: so on. And despite having only 26 PS in parliament 494 00:26:05,729 --> 00:26:06,260 Speaker 1: question will be 495 00:26:06,333 --> 00:26:09,942 Speaker 1: ask, there will be pressure on am the party itself 496 00:26:09,953 --> 00:26:12,782 Speaker 1: on the party president Ahmad Zaid Hamidi, who is now 497 00:26:12,792 --> 00:26:17,132 Speaker 1: number two right hand man. The problem is I don't 498 00:26:17,142 --> 00:26:19,612 Speaker 1: see any strong leader inside the party inside party is 499 00:26:19,623 --> 00:26:22,883 Speaker 1: gonna take um Zaid on straight away. So the party 500 00:26:22,892 --> 00:26:26,253 Speaker 1: constitution is very clear that Zaid can only be removed 501 00:26:26,262 --> 00:26:30,901 Speaker 1: with two thirds uh support from the central delegates right now. 502 00:26:30,912 --> 00:26:34,152 Speaker 1: Zaid is in control of the central delegates. And also 503 00:26:34,162 --> 00:26:34,402 Speaker 1: we have 504 00:26:34,494 --> 00:26:36,426 Speaker 1: cannot discount that there's going to be a cabinet reshuffle 505 00:26:36,436 --> 00:26:39,375 Speaker 1: immediately after the six state elections. Unfortunately, we have one 506 00:26:39,385 --> 00:26:42,795 Speaker 1: minister that passed away recently Salahuddin Ay. So they will 507 00:26:42,806 --> 00:26:45,755 Speaker 1: have to replace that ministry. And also there will be 508 00:26:45,765 --> 00:26:49,586 Speaker 1: some reshuffles. They will complain that the Prime Minister needs 509 00:26:49,595 --> 00:26:52,515 Speaker 1: more help. He cannot be helping the Finance Ministry and 510 00:26:52,526 --> 00:26:57,115 Speaker 1: be running around traveling and doing everything all by himself. 511 00:26:57,125 --> 00:26:59,776 Speaker 1: He seems to be the only one that is hitting 512 00:26:59,786 --> 00:27:02,566 Speaker 1: the campaign trail given the biggest publicity. 513 00:27:02,800 --> 00:27:05,739 Speaker 1: So there are gonna be some uh rejigging that cannot 514 00:27:05,750 --> 00:27:07,489 Speaker 1: be discounted after the state elections. 515 00:27:08,310 --> 00:27:11,540 Speaker 1: Ok. So much to watch both them internally with these alliances. 516 00:27:11,550 --> 00:27:13,369 Speaker 1: But on the bigger picture as well as to how 517 00:27:13,380 --> 00:27:16,290 Speaker 1: these state elections will play out just quickly. Where will 518 00:27:16,300 --> 00:27:18,160 Speaker 1: you both be on election day? We're 519 00:27:18,170 --> 00:27:21,930 Speaker 2: likely to be both in and mel will be following 520 00:27:21,939 --> 00:27:26,010 Speaker 2: the unity government side and I will be following national side. 521 00:27:26,069 --> 00:27:26,180 Speaker 2: All 522 00:27:26,199 --> 00:27:28,060 Speaker 1: right. Well, we look forward to both of your coverage 523 00:27:28,069 --> 00:27:31,119 Speaker 1: throughout the build up towards these elections and for election 524 00:27:31,130 --> 00:27:32,540 Speaker 1: Day itself, don't forget we have 525 00:27:32,650 --> 00:27:33,140 Speaker 1: white kids 526 00:27:34,250 --> 00:27:34,459 Speaker 2: as 527 00:27:34,569 --> 00:27:37,650 Speaker 1: well. How can we forget? And he's gonna be roving 528 00:27:37,729 --> 00:27:43,079 Speaker 1: where the actions on the ground he will be right 529 00:27:43,099 --> 00:27:45,319 Speaker 1: in the midst of it. Yes, part of our team that, 530 00:27:45,329 --> 00:27:47,020 Speaker 1: that has been sent up from Singapore to help with 531 00:27:47,030 --> 00:27:49,619 Speaker 1: the coverage of the elections. Thank you both so much. 532 00:27:49,630 --> 00:27:51,069 Speaker 1: Me and a FIFA. It's been great to have you 533 00:27:51,079 --> 00:27:52,919 Speaker 1: on and all the best for the days and nights 534 00:27:52,930 --> 00:27:56,780 Speaker 1: of election coverage ahead. Thanks, you too. Bye, Steve. 535 00:27:57,609 --> 00:27:59,679 Speaker 1: I always learned so much listening to Melanie FIFA and 536 00:27:59,689 --> 00:28:01,889 Speaker 1: I hope you have too. My main takeaways for the 537 00:28:01,900 --> 00:28:04,948 Speaker 1: upcoming polls are that the states with large urban populations 538 00:28:04,959 --> 00:28:07,050 Speaker 1: such as Silao and Penang may be more likely to 539 00:28:07,060 --> 00:28:10,339 Speaker 1: support Anwar's progressive multi ethnic coalition. While states with large 540 00:28:10,349 --> 00:28:12,910 Speaker 1: rural populations such as Clinton and Trigano may be more 541 00:28:13,015 --> 00:28:16,494 Speaker 1: likely to support mudd's conservative Muslim alliance. The outcome of 542 00:28:16,505 --> 00:28:18,584 Speaker 1: the state elections will depend on a variety of factors 543 00:28:18,594 --> 00:28:22,484 Speaker 1: including voter turnout campaign strategies and the ability to each 544 00:28:22,494 --> 00:28:25,494 Speaker 1: alliance to mobilize its supporters. And as is often the 545 00:28:25,505 --> 00:28:28,364 Speaker 1: case in Malaysia, who can they claim to the Malay vote? 546 00:28:29,589 --> 00:28:32,010 Speaker 1: The TV version CN A correspondent airs on CN A 547 00:28:32,020 --> 00:28:34,579 Speaker 1: every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. you can also catch up 548 00:28:34,589 --> 00:28:36,479 Speaker 1: with it wherever and whenever you like on CN A 549 00:28:36,489 --> 00:28:39,439 Speaker 1: dot Asia do like and subscribe to this podcast version 550 00:28:39,449 --> 00:28:41,770 Speaker 1: that takes you behind the scenes with our correspondents. You 551 00:28:41,780 --> 00:28:44,510 Speaker 1: can find us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts. So 552 00:28:44,520 --> 00:28:47,489 Speaker 1: you never miss an episode. Thank you for listening. Our 553 00:28:47,500 --> 00:28:50,459 Speaker 1: podcast team is made up of Sin Christina Robert Clara 554 00:28:50,469 --> 00:28:51,459 Speaker 1: Ong and me Steve.