A two-party system is not feasible in Malaysia, according to speakers at a recent forum in Kuala Lumpur.

Political scientist Wong Chin Huat told the forum hosted by Parti Sosialis Malaysia that it would be impossible for a two-party system to evolve in the absence of prior institutional reform.

klscah wong chin huat 1black malaysia freed detainees event 090509 04 Representing the NGO sector, Wong noted that Malaysia has long been a one-party dominant state.

He identified three scenarios that preclude a two-party system in Malaysia:

  • Should ethnic-based minority coalition parties in Barisan Nasional defect en masse to Pakatan, the latter would have a two-thirds majority but would likely be unwilling to cooperate with its rival to institute a two-party system;
  • Should Pakatan and BN form a larger coalition to form a united government, there would be just one ‘party’ and not two; and
  • Should BN stage a coup, there could be political instability and absence of a dual-party system.

Should BN regain its former position via elections or defections, it is unlikely that the coalition would opt for a two-party system, he said.

Local council elections

As for local council elections, Wong said the DAP-led government in Penang is afraid of losing should this be held.

DAP has been campaigning for local council elections for several years prior to spearheading the Penang government. However in recent times, its campaigns have somewhat mellowed.

NONE On the issue of reform, Shah Alam parliamentarian, Khalid Samad said any attempt by PAS to advocate local council elections would be interpreted by Umno as giving up Malay rights, especially in urban areas.

He based his argument on the fact that non-Malays make up more of the urban population than Malays, citing the Kota Raja constituency as an example.

“If the local elections are held (in Kota Raja), then chances for non-Malays to be elected to the council would be higher. If this happens, Umno would (play the) racial card and claim that PAS is selling-out on the Malays,” he said.

He said the 2008 general election result was not because the electorate wants a two-party system, but that “the driving force was about getting rid of Umno”.

However, he supports the two-party system because it will be an uphill task to get rid of BN altogether.

Some 150 people attended the conference at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall on Saturday.