Inter-Research And Studies (IRAS)

By Yeong Kam Loong Looking at the recent formation of Left Coalition and the surface of internal issue of Parti Rakyat Malaysia during Permatang Pauh by-election, there's some observation, analysis and strategy that i hope that can be helpful to the Party and Coalition. Analysis: The recent formation of Left Coalition has stirred considerable amount of curiosity from the public who view it as a 'budding' third power in the political landscape and what it can deliver. However, the recent Permatang Pauh by-election has somehow created minor negative perception on PRM from the public. A chinese newspaper commentary (some might have already seen it) had listed 3 important points: 1. The internal conflict between Penang Branch and Central Committee in candidate placement 2. The difference of stance on Hudud between candidate and the party. 3. This event created doubts from the public on PRM's principle as a political party, and eventually the Left Coalition. This is import...

By Cindi Loo - TheAntDaily.com Barisan Nasional has been claiming a moral victory for reducing the winning margin of PAS in the recent Sungai Limau state by-election in Kedah. More importantly, in the eyes of BN, it has regained the confidence of the Chinese voters. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak proclaimed there was an increase in support by the Chinese as indicated by two ballot boxes from Chinese-majority areas that went to BN. "Previously, we lost the contest for the seat by a 2,774-vote majority, but now we have reduced it to 1,084-vote majority. It shows that there is a trend of increased support for BN,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama. But PAS promptly disputed Najib’s reading, saying that the voter turnout was smaller than it was in the May 5 general election. Only 85.5 per cent of the voters cast their ballots during the Nov 3 by-election, compared with the 89.2 per cent turnout in the May 5 polls. PAS Sungai Limau by-election committe...