A number of political observers today dismissed the chances of a 'disoriented' opposition and predicted a landslide victory for the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition at the upcoming general election.

Apart from the apparent unity in BN, Penang Malay Association trustee Dr Ismail Jewa said another important factor that will contribute to its success is Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

"He's in at the right time," said Ismail, a well-known educationist in the northern region, during a telephone interview.

He added that the premier "has taken the wind out of the opposition's sail" by championing various issues such as corruption and police abuse, core issues in the opposition's campaign strategy.

Ismail also dismissed the opposition as having "no direction as they preferred to squabble among themselves".

On the other hand, he said BN component parties were solidly working towards a victory.

MCA and Gerakan are talking about a merger while the Indian-based parties (MIC and PPP) have indicated their willingness to compromise on seat allocation, he added.

With elections just around the corner, opposition parties appear unable to agree on the number of seats to contest, sparking off speculation that there would be three-cornered fights especially in front-line states such as Penang, Perak and Selangor.

Not excited

Meanwhile, social activist VE Elanjelian echoed Ismail's sentiments that the ruling party would enjoy a landslide victory but said that he was not excited about the impending general election.

"I am going to vote but I am not excited because I don't see any option and I don't see any changes.

"It's like my vote won't make a difference" said Elanjelian, who is the secretary-general of the Malaysian Research Development and Tamil Education Foundation, when contacted.

However, he disagreed with Ismail's view that the opposition had run out of issues to highlight at this year's polls.

"There is a long way to go in corruption, we have not nailed a big fish yet," he said.

"And although we now have a royal commission on the police, cases of abuses by its personnel have yet to be addressed," he added

Since Abdullah took office, several high-profile figures have been charged with corruption.

No level-playing field

Student activist Chang Lih Kang said the ruling front will emerge victorious not only due to the disunity in the opposition but because there is no level-playing field.

"BN controls all the major institutions like the media and the police," said the Malaysian Youth and Student Democratic Movement secretary of national affairs.

"Money politics is still rampant. The opposition may be weaker this time but we can't say that they have weaker candidates," he added.