Performance of Non-Dominant Political Party in Terengganu: Challenges to Pakatan Harapan in 16th General Election

Abstract

Election history shows that Terengganu does not have an effective non-dominant political party. There are several non-dominant political parties involved in the elections in Terengganu such as Barisan Jamaah Islamiah (BERJASA), Hizbul Muslimin (HAMIM), Parti Melayu Semangat 46 (S46), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH). The response of the Terengganu Malay voters towards non-dominant political parties other than Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) was less encouraging. Although other parties were also involved in the elections in Terengganu, the support given to non-dominant political parties was not as consistent as given to BN and PAS. However, the results of the 2022 General Election shows that BN received less support from the voters. After a decline in state seats and parliamentary seats since the 1999 general election in Terengganu (except for the 2004 general election), BN was once again slumped in the 15th general election when it failed to win any parliamentary seats in Terengganu. The Malay community's support for PAS is good and consistent since the 1999 general. The PH (Pakatan Harapan) to gain its support in Terengganu was seen as challenging. This is because the political culture of the Terengganu voters is seen as less inclined towards non-dominant political parties although PH receives good support in several states as well as at the federal level.