Barisan Nasional’s (BN) one seat advantage in the state assembly of Terengganu raises the question of what will happen if the number of seats between the opposition and BN is the tied at 16:16.

Political analysts have reveal what will happen to a hung assembly if the opposition wins the election constituency of Kuala Besut.

In accordance with the provisions of the state constitution, the decision is at the discretion of the Sultan.

“ What was stated is that the council shall elect a representative of the people with the most number of votes, he can only be the Chief Minister once he is approved to by the Sultan,” says Prof. Ibrahim Mamat, Director of Socio-Economic Development Centre UMT.

Ibrahim highlights other alternatives such as forming a coalition government to reduce the tension between the ruling government and the opposition in the assembly.

“ A coalition government, ruling in a state of 50/50. If it is just one party there will still be plenty of opposition. I feel it is best we learn to conduct a coalition government.”

However, the last resort is to have another state election for Terengganu to choose a new government.

“As the people, I would be happy each time we have an election, we get new projects, better support, new promises, new manifestos etc but as the the government, they will need additional provisions,” he says.

After the death of the incumbent of state assembly Kuala Besut, Dr. A Rahman Mokhtar, BN has a majority of only one seat, which is 16 seats compared to the opposition that holds 15 seats.

If BN fails to secure their seat in Kuala Besut in this small election, the number of seats for both parties will be 16-16.