Abstracts » Business, international

Election blues: court rulings unseat opposition MPs

Article Abstract:

Malaysia's opposition Democratic Action Party suffered the latest in a string of recent setbacks when a judge ruled that Wee Choo Keong, who won a parliamentary seat in the Apr 1995 elections, was an invalid candidate. The judge then gave the seat to ruling coalition candidate Lee Chong Meng rather than ordering a by-election, raising eyebrows even among the coalition's backers. Wee had been fined M$7000 a week before the elections, indirectly barring him from seeking office for five years. A new election was ordered when another opposition-party candidate, Tunku Razaleigh Hamzah of Semangat '46, also had his election nullified in court.

Opposition (Political science)

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Sure thing

Article Abstract:

Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad's National Front seems set to win easily in an Apr 25 general election, but several key races remain in doubt. The coalition is going all-out to ensure a sweeping victory that will increase its margin of control, denying opponents every venue to reach voters. Nonetheless, the opposition is likely to strengthen its grip on Kelantan and make inroads in Penang, Sabah, and Teranganu. Many observers consider the election merely a precursor to Umno party elections next year.

Political aspects, Umno (Malaysia)

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Total rout: opposition dream shattered in Penang

Article Abstract:

Malaysia's April 1995 elections did not see the sharp challenge in Penang state to the ruling National Front party that many observers anticipated. In a total rout, the Democratic Action Party won only 1 of the 33 state seats, down from 14, and 3 parliamentary seats compared to 6 beforehand. Post-election analyses cite Malaysia's booming economy, the DAP's failure to promulgate alternatives to the govt programs it criticizes, DAP leader Lim Kit Siang's abrasive style, and despair of opposition parties' success.

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