IN a surprising turn of events, Barisan Nasional (BN) is poised to make a comeback by securing an exco seat in the Selangor state cabinet, marking a significant development since its defeat in the 2008 general election.
This is despite the coalition represented by UMNO having managed to win only two of the 12 seats it contested. This pales in comparison to the impressive 32 seats won by Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the recent state elections.
According to news portal Free Malaysia Today, sources suggest that the decision by PH to include BN in the state cabinet reflects a commitment to “true unity” in practise, moving beyond mere rhetoric.
Notably, the two coalitions joined forces as a pact for the recent state elections, a precedent-setting move.
The sources added that omitting BN from the state cabinet would have negative implications for the state unity government, which suffered a setback after losing a substantial 22 out of the 37 Malay-majority seats to Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Of the 32 seats secured by PH, the DAP clinched 15, PKR captured 12 and Amanah secured five seats.
In the previous state cabinet, which had a total of 11 exco members, PKR held six positions, DAP held three and Amanah held two. Additionally, DAP was entrusted with the state assembly speaker’s post.
“PH’s Amanah candidates won only five seats this time compared with eight previously, while the number of seats under PKR dropped from 21 to 12.
“It is most likely that one of their exco posts will be given to BN this time,” claimed the source.
Moreover, another source highlighted that DAP previously held three exco positions and the speaker’s post and indications point to a similar allocation this time. However, the final decision has yet to be confirmed.
“The exco composition among the PH parties during the last term worked very well. However, the exco will obviously continue to be made up of mostly Malay assemblymen, although there are more non-Malays (from PH),” noted the source.
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that the Selangor incumbent menteri besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari will be sworn in on Saturday (Aug 19), adhering to the commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as PH’s chairman.
Speculation has emerged regarding the potential replacement of Amirudin but as of now, he remains the leading contender. Any decision to renege on the election promise could tarnish the government’s reputation.
Furthermore, this development is contingent upon the approval of Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who must consent to Amirudin’s reappointment.
Main photo credit: The Star
