IN the legend of Langkawi, pretty maiden Mahsuri curses the island and its people for seven generations as she is wrongly accused of adultery and sentenced to death.
And so, the island remained in the backdrop of Kedah for seven generation before former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad developed the island during his administration and put on the world map.
Similar to the curse that was cast upon the island, Pakatan Harapan appears to be suffering from a curse.
Sabah, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka – all four states delivered a resounding rejection to the coalition led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Negeri Sembilan saw two PH component leaders PKR vice president Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook losing their seats.
Melaka now completes the curse with the defeat of Amanah vice – president Adly Zahari in Bukit Katil.
Aminuddin is the immediate past Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan whereas Adly was Melaka chief minister from 2018-2020.
The next election will be held in Sarawak. However, it is unlikely that PKR would be venturing into the state in full force since the ruling GPS is also an ally in the federal government.
There are talks on the ground that BN may opt for a state election in Perak where UMNO led BN are allied with PH.
Some quarters there believe that the unity of the ummah should be extended there too.
PH would need to eat the humble pie in three more state elections if one were to follow what befell Langkawi.
If that is the case, it would be held in 2028 since the term for five of the six states ends in 2028. There is a little over a year for that.
PH may not be able to make a dent in Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah but it will have to defend the crown of the jewels – Penang and Selangor – at all costs.
Alternately an election date closer to 2028 and some convincing would avoid the need for separate state elections.
It can be resolved once and for all in the 16th General Election (GE16). Would Anwar be willing to call for an early election or wait out for his term to end naturally?
That is what we Malaysians can wait and see. – Nov 15, 2026.
Main image credit: Astro Awani
