Chinese voter turnout will be decisive in determining whether PAS can win federal power "by default" in the next general election, former MCA president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek has warned, as the Islamist party positions itself ahead of crucial state polls in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
Chua was quoted by Free Malaysia Today as saying the possibility of a PAS-led federal government was already being "debated quietly" among Chinese voters, with some Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders reportedly acknowledging that PAS could form the government if voters do not back the ruling coalition.
"You know, Chinese are disillusioned with PH and DAP, although they will still continue to vote for DAP by default," Chua said, according to FMT.
Chua, who led MCA from 2008 to 2013, cautioned that Chinese voter turnout would be decisive in determining whether PAS can expand its electoral reach beyond its traditional strongholds. He noted that PAS would find it difficult to gain ground in Sabah and Sarawak, which together hold 56 parliamentary seats, while DAP is expected to hold an advantage in 32 Chinese-majority seats.
This would realistically leave PAS competing over 134 seats in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat, requiring an 84 per cent success rate to reach the 113 seats needed to form a federal government on its own.
"To me, unlikely -- provided the Chinese come out to vote," Chua reportedly told FMT.
Chua also weighed in on Perikatan Nasional's attempt to position Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as a leader with broader national appeal, describing the effort as unproven among non-Muslim voters. He described Ahmad Samsuri as an "unknown factor" among non-Malay voters.
The former MCA president said fresh discussions on Malay-based party alliances ahead of the Johor state polls made Chinese voter turnout even more critical, as weaker turnout in close contests could improve PAS's chances even without widespread national support.
Both Johor and Negeri Sembilan prepare for state elections, with PAS contesting under a loose electoral pact with like-minded parties in Johor while Barisan Nasional has confirmed it will go solo in Negeri Sembilan's three-way contest.
Sources: Malay Mail, Free Malaysia Today
