KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia is likely heading towards a snap election based on the present political development, said local political analysts.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) academician Dr Romzi Ationg told the New Straits Times that no side of politics had enough numbers at hand at the moment.
"Nevertheless, such possibility depends largely on which side Sabah and Sarawak are going to support.
"Sabah and Sarawak have such a significant role. Both states can be hailed as the king maker," he opined when commenting on the political unrest at the federal level.
"Both states should grab the opportunity to demand anything for the sake of Sabahans and Sarawakians," he added.
Romzi, however, noted that he was not convinced with the number of members of parliaments (MPs) throwing their support behind Prime Minister and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Dr Mahathir tendered his resignation letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 1pm today. This has been confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office in a short statement and about two hours later Dr Mahathir relinquished his post as Bersatu chairman based on a press statement issued by the party.
For now, Romzi said there was no clear indication whether Dr Mahathir had gained strong support from significant number of MPs.
"As for Sabah and Sarawak leaders, Parti Warisan Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) must choose wisely which side to support.
"The prime minister’s resignation will further affect the support from the MPs. Many may eventually decide to support (PKR president Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim)," he said.
Romzi said personally he would prefer to have a snap election and let the people decide who should form the government.
Echoing similar opinion, another UMS academician Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said the best alternative to resolve the political turmoil was to dissolve parliament and have a snap election.
"When Bersatu quit PH, with (several) MPs also quitting PKR, the (PH) coalition has lost its majority already. Thus, it's normal for (Dr) Mahathir to tender his resignation letter as the prime minister," he said.