COMMENT | Realignments and dealignment in Pulai, Simpang Jeram

COMMENT | The unity government won both incumbent seats in the Johor by-elections of Pulai and Simpang Jeram last weekend.

The victories speak to the importance of the legacy of the late Salahuddin Ayub, whose memory was acknowledged by those who voted his Amanah colleagues into office.

A close look at the details of the voting shows that the victories should not be interpreted as strong endorsements of the Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government, and acceptance of the decision to withdraw the corruption charges against Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi through the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).

Many voters showed their dismay in how they voted (or chose not to vote).

My analysis of the results finds that...