The largest contributors, the least beneficiaries: the outcome of 12th Malaysia general election for the state of Sarawak

Abstract

The 12th Malaysian Election 2008 has given a new perspective in Malaysian politics. The achievement of the opposition party in denying two-third majority of the ruling party, the Barisan Nasional (National Front) in the Malaysian parliament has open up the new dimensions in Malaysian political system. Notwithstanding of these new situation, the ability of the National Front (Barisan Nasional) in maintaining the federal government was due to the support of Sarawak and Sabah and can be consider as the biggest cash deposits in providing enough seats for the Barisan Nasional to control the federal government. The most important issues for these two states will always be the issue of development. But the outcome is far from expectation. Winning 31 out of 32 seats does not give Sarawak the advantage in getting more post in the cabinet in compare to other states. This paper will provide a great deal of discussions on the issues arising from post 12th General Election and the possibilities of political maneuvering in the near future.