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After Sarawak setback, what next for BN?

The Malaysian Insider
April 18, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — Barisan Nasional (BN) lost significant ground in its stronghold of Sarawak during Saturday’s state assembly election, setting the stage for a shift in government and economic policy as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak works to regain support.

The government recorded its worst performance in 24 years in the poll in a result analysts say reflects the mood across the country, which could prompt Najib to switch tack in his plan to recapture the ethnic minority vote and restructure the economy to catch up with Asian neighbours. Continue reading “After Sarawak setback, what next for BN?”

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Chua Soi Lek : “SUPP should stay out”

Tweets @limkitsiang

MCA ChuaSoiLek urges SUPP boycott Swak state cabinet bcos Swak 416 g/e results. Will CSL direct MCA 2quit Najib’s Cabinet 4similar reason?
April 17, 2011 9:21 PM

CSL wants 1hijack SUPP 2serve MCA interests! http://bit.ly/ftu9m1 Chua: It shouldn’t accept Cabinet posts without public support (Star)
April 18, 2011 9:08 AM

Problem when SUPP leadrs vainly looked 2CSL KSK 2save them in Swk g/e when both cannot save MCA Gkan. Will CSL now act on his advice 2SUPP?
April 18, 2011 9:17 AM

Will 4MCA Ministers 7DepMinistrs act on CSL’s advice 2SUPP n annce their posts r suspended pending MCA Central Cttee decision whthr 2resign?
April 18, 2011 9:51 AM
Continue reading “Chua Soi Lek : “SUPP should stay out””

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Poll results blow for PM, say analysts

M Jegathesan
Apr 18, 11
Malaysiakini

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is unlikely to call snap elections after a bruising state poll in which his ruling coalition lost ground to the opposition in a traditional stronghold, analysts said.

The BN coalition held onto its crucial two-thirds majority after Saturday’s vote in Sarawak but the opposition had its best result for nearly a quarter century in the resource-rich state on Borneo island.

The vote was seen as an important gauge of popularity for Najib, who has dished out money for rural development.

Some observers said it was the most crucial test for the BN since the 2008 general elections when the opposition seized a third of parliamentary seats and threatened the BN’s half-century grip on power. Continue reading “Poll results blow for PM, say analysts”

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PM seen stalling on reform after disappointing vote

Razak Ahmad
Malaysiakini
Apr 17, 11

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will likely put key economic reforms on ice as he tries to rebuild voter support after his ruling coalition recorded its worst performance in 24 years in a local election in a key stronghold.

Bets are largely off for a snap general election to take place this year, with Najib expected to rethink his strategy of promoting inclusive growth in the Muslim-majority multi-cultural nation to win back the minority vote, analysts said.

In Saturday’s state poll, Najib’s ruling National Front (BN) retained control of its stronghold Sarawak, which accounts for a fifth of its parliamentary seats, but the opposition more than doubled its seat tally as ethnic Chinese mostly voted against the government.

Structural economic changes such as further scaling back fuel subsidies, introducing a goods and services tax and reforming a decades-old race-based policy would be relegated in Najib’s list of priorities for now, analysts said.

“After the outcome in Sarawak, Najib will need a general election mandate before making any big moves,” said Ibrahim Suffian (right), director at the independent opinion polling firm Merdeka Center. Continue reading “PM seen stalling on reform after disappointing vote”