EP14: The Bigger PRN Picture

This episode brings together different themes from the episodes and asks the questions about why the election matters, points to key issues in different states, discusses predictions and broader implications of the polls.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/


Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov, Lesfm, and HarumachiMusic from Pixabay

This episode looks at the hot seat of Hulu Kelang, arguably Perikatan Nasional’s frontline seat in Selangor. An urban seat where PN heavy weight, former minister and architect of the Sheratan Move, Mohamed Azmin Ali is being fielded against PKR’s Juwairiya binti Zulkifli. Issues addressed include dynamics within Perikatan Nasional, local development and patronage.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov and Lesfm from Pixabay

This episode looks at the hot seat of Cukai in southern Terennganu, highlight the impact of infighting and drawing attention to the fight for UMNO’s future.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov and Harumachimusic from Pixabay

In this episode I return to Kelantan to look at the hot seat of Kota Lama, where a female professional Amanah candidate faces off against a new PAS candidate as well as a candidate from PRM and independent. This episode discusses the nature of Kelantan politics and challenges the opposition face against the Islamist party that has held power in the state since 1990.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/


Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov, Lesfm from Pixabay

This episode looks at hot seats on Penang Island, with a focus on the constituency of Pulau Betong. The area of Balik Pulau will determine whether Perikatan Nasional makes any electoral gains on the island and the Penang government holds onto two-thirds of the seats. It will also shape the scope of ethnic polarization that will impact governance after the elections.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov, Harumachimusic from Pixabay

By looking at border seats in Negeri Sembilan -- notably Sungai Lui, Gemas and Bagan Pinang -- I highlight the symbiotic relationship between local and national conditions. The national campaign has been driven by mobilizing emotions, while local conditions raise issues of machinery, generational shifts and the role of security forces shaping outcomes in seats.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov, Harumachi Music, Soundbay, Lexin_Music from Pixabay

Bersatu is leading the fight to take over power in Negeri Sembilan. This episode focuses on the hot seats of Klawang and Juasseh in Negeri Sembilan where Bersatu is contesting. The episode highlights the role of social networks, family ties and local social norms in shaping political outcomes. I argue that Negeri Sembilan’s unique culture offers insights to why the opposition gains have been more limited compared to elsewhere in Malaysia so far, but also suggest that conditions are changing.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov and soundbay from Pixabay

This episode looks at the constituency of Bukit Selambau in southern Kedah – a hot political zone in the coming polls. Discussion centres on the representation of minorities, nominal representation and ethnic crossover voting as well as local dynamics in this diverse and dynamic constituency.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov, soundbay, and Lesfm from Pixabay

This hot seat is located in the heart of Permatang Pauh in Penang, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s legacy and popularity will be tested. It is also where the dynamics of the ‘green wave’ have been evident, greater Islamisation in politics and an embrace of more conservative candidates, especially by younger voters. This time PKR has fielded an ustaz, challenging the wave by fielding a locally popular religious scholar.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Lexin Music, Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

This episode looks at Kubang Rotan, a hot seat in Kedah outside of its capital of Alor Setar. With a long history tied to protecting Kedah and where wars have been won and lost, this seat features an intensive personal and political battle for PAS and its government led by its MB Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to stamp his dominance on the state and diminish opposition voices.

This season of Kerusi Panas is made in collaboration with Malaysiakini, and produced by Renegade Radio.

Read more on the elections on Malaysiakini here: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

Music by Lexin_Music, Lesfm, Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay