Intense and Competitive Malaysian General Election on May 5

The May 5 Malaysian general election is considered by many as the most hotly contested in history. The opposition, Pakatan Rakyat alliance that is headed by Anwar Ibrahim is optimistic. The incumbent Prime Minister Najib Razak who heads the Barisan National coalition may have reason to fret if the young voters make their voice heard. There is widespread speculation that the Barisan Nasional (National Front) that has dominated Malaysia politics since the country’s independence from the British in1957 could be facing an upset.

But, on behalf of the incumbent government, many analysts are saying that a change at this point could be catastrophic and Malaysian voters might choose to vote for the ruling party.

13 million voters

Opinion polls say that the race is too close for comfort. And at the last stage of the campaign, the opposition is throwing accusations at the coalition, particularly corruption. However, the political stability and economic growth that the nation now enjoys is difficult to take away from the people. The opposition is very progressive and dynamic, but the coalition is saying that they have yet to prove themselves. There is a lot at stake for both parties and 13 million voters will soon have to choose.

Najib Razak

Najib Razak became Prime Minister when the one before him resigned from the post. His first campaign for the top position was a failure. Analysts are saying that a party defeat this year would cost him his political career. The prime minister’s campaign meetings are always filled with patriotic songs and food that is more than enough for everybody. Compared to his rival, his speeches often sound tired and lacking in passion.

The political ads that are shown on national TV detail the government’s accomplishments in the effort to remind the citizens of Malaysia of what they have achieved during his term. His party’s efforts are also focused on making Malaysians aware of the inexperience of the opposition party and giving them reason to fear what could happen should the newly put together coalition with “disparate ideologies” win.

Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar Ibrahim is on his comeback and probably on his last political race as well. He is 65 years old. Fifteen years ago, he was removed from his post as Deputy Prime Minister and was subject to violence and prosecution. Anwar had always been contented that he was a victim of political oppression. He managed to bring together the present coalition composed of PAS, DAP, and Anwar’s own Keadilan Party. But a loss in this election might cause the fragile bond to break.

Anwar’s anti-government campaign speeches are always energetic and exciting. He is intent on convincing the crowds that change is imminent. Recently, he has made the accusation that voters have been flown in to participate in election fraud when the polls open on Sunday. The leader of the opposition is calling for more street protests.

Voters’ perception

A Malay entrepreneur has reservations about the incumbent government, but he said that this is not the time for change and Prime Minister Najib’s economic policies are working, therefore he deserves another chance. But he added that should he be elected and still fails to institute reforms, there is no other option but to pay allegiance to the opposition.