New Malaysian government likely with sufficient seats, says party source

A political realignment involving the formation of a new government is expected to take place soon following the support of more than adequate Parliamentary seats garnered by Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

via New Straits Times

23 February, 2020

PETALING JAYA — A political realignment involving the formation of a new government is expected to take place soon following the support of more than adequate Parliamentary seats garnered by Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

It is learnt that the number of seats said to be backing the Prime Minister now stands at 130.

Sources informed the New Straits Times that the 130 figure was reached through a collective agreement involving five political parties comprising Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), UMNO, PKR splinter faction, PAS and Amanah.



A party insider said the presence of many leaders at Hotel Sheraton Petaling Jaya was to show that the formation of a new government was no longer a mere speculation, nor was it a mere rumour.

"It will also see realignment in several states, including Kedah and Perak. Whatever it is, this is historical and symbolises unity in the country," said the source.

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is also present at the Sheraton Hotel. As he entered the holding room here, an applause broke among supporters. Others present were Melaka Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof and Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

The Dewan Rakyat's, or lower house of parliament's, full make-up stands at 222 seats. The ruling pact Pakatan Harapan has 129 seats in the lower house of Parliament comprising:

 Bersatu (26)
 Amanah (11)
 DAP (42)
 PKR (50).

Meanwhile the remainder is made-up of Barisan Nasional with 42 seats, which is made up of:

Umno (39)
MCA (2)
MIC (1)

The others in the Dewan Rakyat are

 Parti Warisan Sabah (9)
 UPKO (1)
 PAS (18)
 GPS (18);
 GBS (3)
 PSB (1)
 Independent (1).

THE NEW STRAITS TIMES

[UMNO + Bersatu + Amanah + PAS =  94. If 36 members of PKR switch, Mahathir would have the 130 and a majority. 

In May 2018, there was already speculation that Mahathir could try to flip the government back to UMNO.

Without Bersatu and Amanah, the PH would have only 92 seats, and 36 of those PKR members may already have flipped to Mahathir and UMNO. So PH may only have 56 seats. Even if all the other parties form a new coalition with PH remnants, they would still be less than 100 and nowhere close to a majority to form a govt.]