Malaysia Election 2018: Results & Party Breakdown

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

The 2018 Malaysian general election, a landmark event in the nation's history, witnessed a seismic shift in the political landscape. After six decades of Barisan Nasional (BN) rule, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, led by veteran politician Mahathir Mohamad, secured a historic victory. This article delves into the election results, dissecting the performance of key political parties and exploring the factors that contributed to this monumental outcome.

Historical Context

To fully grasp the significance of the 2018 election results, it's essential to understand the historical backdrop. Since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia had been governed by the Barisan Nasional coalition (formerly known as the Alliance Party). While BN had overseen significant economic development and maintained relative stability, it faced increasing criticism over issues such as corruption, rising cost of living, and allegations of electoral malpractices. These grievances fueled public discontent and created an environment ripe for change.

Prior to the election, the political arena was dominated by two major coalitions: Barisan Nasional, led by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), and Pakatan Harapan, an alliance of opposition parties including the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), and later, the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu). The election was fiercely contested, with both coalitions vying for the support of Malaysia's diverse electorate.

National Results Overview

The 2018 general election saw a turnout of over 82%, reflecting the high level of public engagement and desire for change. Pakatan Harapan secured a majority of parliamentary seats, winning 113 out of the 222 available. Barisan Nasional, the incumbent coalition, suffered a heavy defeat, winning only 79 seats. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) emerged as the third-largest party with 18 seats, while other parties and independent candidates secured the remaining seats. The results marked the end of BN's uninterrupted rule and ushered in a new era of Malaysian politics.

Breakdown by Party

Let's take a closer look at the performance of key political parties in the 2018 election:

  • Pakatan Harapan (PH): As the winning coalition, PH's component parties each played a crucial role in securing the victory. PKR, led by Anwar Ibrahim (though he was in prison at the time), won the most seats within the coalition, followed by DAP, which maintained its strong support base among Chinese voters. Bersatu, led by Mahathir Mohamad, also contributed significantly, particularly in Malay-majority constituencies. Amanah, a splinter party from PAS, added to PH's overall strength.

  • Barisan Nasional (BN): The defeat was a major blow for BN, particularly for UMNO, its dominant party. UMNO lost significant ground in Malay-majority areas, traditionally its stronghold. The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), BN's component parties representing Chinese and Indian voters respectively, also suffered heavy losses, reflecting a decline in support from these communities.

  • Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS): PAS managed to increase its seat count compared to the previous election, consolidating its position as a significant force in Malaysian politics. The party's focus on religious issues and its appeal to conservative Malay voters contributed to its performance, particularly in the East Coast states.

Key Factors Contributing to the Outcome

Several factors contributed to the outcome of the 2018 election:

  • Mahathir Mohamad's Leadership: Mahathir Mohamad's decision to come out of retirement and lead the Pakatan Harapan coalition was a game-changer. His experience, credibility, and appeal to both Malay and non-Malay voters helped to unite the opposition and galvanize support for change. His return was nothing short of iconic.

  • Grievances Over Corruption and Cost of Living: Allegations of corruption, particularly surrounding the 1MDB scandal, and the rising cost of living fueled public anger and dissatisfaction with the BN government. These issues resonated strongly with voters across ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • Electoral Malpractices Allegations: Concerns over electoral malpractices, such as gerrymandering and voter suppression, had been raised for years. These concerns further eroded public trust in the electoral process and strengthened the resolve of those seeking change. The people felt they had to do something.

  • Youth Vote and Social Media: The youth vote played a significant role in the election outcome. Young voters, empowered by social media, were actively engaged in political discussions and mobilization efforts. Social media platforms became crucial tools for disseminating information, organizing rallies, and countering government propaganda.

  • Shift in Malay Support: While BN traditionally relied on strong support from the Malay community, the 2018 election saw a significant shift in Malay support towards Pakatan Harapan, particularly towards Bersatu, led by Mahathir Mohamad. This shift was crucial in enabling PH to secure a majority of parliamentary seats.

State Level Results

Beyond the national level, the 2018 election also brought about significant changes in state governments. Pakatan Harapan gained control of several states, including Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor. Barisan Nasional retained control of a few states, while PAS maintained its hold on Kelantan. The state-level results reflected the overall sentiment for change and the desire for new leadership.

Impact and Aftermath

The 2018 election had a profound impact on Malaysian politics and society. The victory of Pakatan Harapan marked the first time in the country's history that the ruling coalition had been defeated. The new government, led by Mahathir Mohamad, implemented a series of reforms aimed at addressing corruption, strengthening democratic institutions, and improving the economy. However, the PH government faced numerous challenges, including internal divisions and resistance from entrenched interests. It was a rocky road ahead.

In 2020, the Pakatan Harapan government collapsed due to internal conflicts and defections, leading to the formation of a new government led by Muhyiddin Yassin. This political upheaval highlighted the fragility of the new political landscape and the ongoing power struggles within Malaysian politics. The aftermath of the 2018 election continues to shape the country's political trajectory.

Conclusion

The 2018 Malaysian general election was a watershed moment in the nation's history. The results reflected a culmination of factors, including public discontent over corruption and the rising cost of living, the leadership of Mahathir Mohamad, and the effective use of social media. The election marked the end of Barisan Nasional's six-decade rule and ushered in a new era of Malaysian politics. While the subsequent political developments have been complex and challenging, the 2018 election remains a significant milestone in Malaysia's democratic journey, and that's something we won't forget any time soon.