KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak believes that both national and local parties in Malaysia should analyze the current political trends in India.
He stressed that the recent election outcomes in India illustrate how the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system favors strategy and efficiency over merely accumulating total votes.
Salleh, who is a political scientist, noted that success hinges on the ability to consolidate support in critical constituencies.
“National parties like the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continue to hold significant power.
“Nonetheless, their achievements are increasingly influenced by state-level factors, local concerns, and political alliances,” he remarked in his latest Facebook update.
In Kerala, for example, Salleh pointed out that the Congress-led UDF regained power, putting an end to years of Left governance.
“Simultaneously, the BJP made history by securing several key seats, showcasing its growing national presence,” he added.
In West Bengal, he noted that the BJP successfully contested the long-standing supremacy of regional parties.
This indicates that national parties can penetrate traditional bastions with the appropriate strategy and organization, he stated.
“The rise of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu has introduced a new element to Indian politics. The party is spearheaded by Vijay, a very popular film star.
“Vijay’s fame has granted him immediate recognition, particularly among younger voters. When paired with anti-establishment rhetoric and local issues, it effectively transformed public sentiment into political backing,” he explained.
According to Salleh, the elections in India also highlight the growing necessity for collaboration between national and regional parties within the FPTP framework.
“Multi-cornered contests frequently fragment votes and diminish electoral prospects,” he stated.
“Therefore, national and local parties in Malaysia should closely observe the developments in India.
“Ultimately, voters remain the decisive element, even within the FPTP system,” he added.
