To review the outcome,click here
The results were staggering, to say the least. Despite a simple majority win (which means they are still the ruling party), Barisan Nasional (BN) has suffered a huge blow at the 12th General Election, a first since 1969.
- Out of the 222 parliamentary seats being contested, only 140 seats were won by BN (63%). This is a stark contrast to the last general election (in 2004), where 198 of 219 seats were unsurped by BN (90.4%).
- As for the state seatings, the oppostion emerged strong this time, winning 196 out of 505 seats (38.8%), an extraordinary leap by 28.7% since 2004.
- Five states are now under the opposition: Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor.
So how do I feel with regards to the outcome? I can only say that our nation has finally spoken. Loud and clear. It is the people's choice, and that must ultimately be respected. Will it lead to serious racial repercussions, just like the aftermath of 1969 General Election? Judging from the way events are currently unfolding in Malaysia, no I wouldn't think so. More importantly, what now? Where do we go from here? I guess that remains to be seen.
I truly hope things will turn for the better.
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Latest updates:
1. Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi was sworn in last night as Malaysian PM for the 2nd term
2. UMNO and BN supreme councils pledged their support for Pak Lah, dismissing rumours (outright) that Abdullah was to resign.
3. Perak Regent has consented to the formation of a DAP-PKR-PAS coalition government.
Labels: Events
