KUANTAN: Would Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (Bersatu) exit from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and a split within PKR result in some assemblymen in certain states pondering to hop parties for political security?
However, it might be a little too early as there is still no clear indication on the formation of a new political alliance prompting assemblymen to take a wait-and-see approach before executing their plans.
The next 24 hours could be crucial as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah completes his personal interview with the remaining members of parliament before the next prime minister is decided.
Political analyst and law lecturer Professor Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood, from the International Islamic University, said all eyes will be on the scenario at the Federal level and once everything is "done and dusted" then the shift will move to the state administration.
"Judging by the current scenario, I believe there might be some assemblymen jumping ship at the state assembly. At the moment the focus is at the Federal level and I guess by the end of today, we should have a better picture on what to expect.
"It is important to have closure to the ongoing crisis as soon as possible as we certainly do not want Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) to only remain as the interim prime minister. It has to be settled soon as there are so many other important matters concerning the rakyat that has to be looked into," he said when contacted today.
Nik Ahmad said based on the current political scenario Melaka's Chief Minister Adly Zahari has bid farewell to leading the state as he no longer commands the majority to run the state.
"Besides Melaka, the Selangor Menteri Besar (Amirudin Shari) had an audience with state ruler (Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah) while Johor Barisan Nasional believe they have the numbers to form a new bloc. So we can expect some assemblymen to switch parties to strengthen the ruling political party within the state.
"However, those at the state are still not clear about the new political alignment so they might have to wait a little longer to allow matters at Federal level to be resolved before making their moves. Everyone is following the latest developments closely as it involves the direction of the country's politics and also one's political career," he said.
Four Pakatan Harapan state governments – Kedah, Perak, Melaka and Johor – are on shaky grounds following the collapse of the federal government.
Nik Ahmad said at the moment a series of meetings and negotiations are being carried out by political parties to determine their next move and what is in store for their respective parties in the future.
"Meetings are happening almost every hours and it's a crucial time for everyone. They need to have a clear path to enable them to move in one direction.....it would be difficult to go back (decide on something else) once they have gone forward," he said, adding that he personally believes that Dr Mahathir should be allowed to resume duties as the prime minister until the next general election.
Meanwhile a senior political leader said details on the new government remain sketchy leaving everyone including politicians in the dark over the new coalition.
"The waiting game continues....The formation of a new political alignment remains a mystery. Bersatu last night said they will not collaborate with Umno as a party while BN and PAS do not favor working with DAP so it would be interesting to see which party will be part of the new coalition," he said.