Influence of Spatial Geography in By-Elections Post 15th General Election in Malaysia

Abstract

Spatial geography refers to the spatial environment in influencing certain physical and human aspects. Spatial geography can influence a voting pattern in terms of urban-rural position, physical geography, housing geography and ethnic geography. Thus, it is the purpose of writing this paper to analyse the influence of spatial geography in the post-GE-15 By-Election. The writing of this article used a quantitative method which is based on the score sheet of the election results according to the channel and voting district; and the qualitative method which is the analysis of secondary information which is journal writing, seminar materials and relevant academic books. The results of the study found that the voting pattern in By-Election post GE-15 based on spatial geography was influenced by the ethnic geography of an area in the post-GE-15 By-Election.  continue to support Pakatan Harapan (PH). Malay voters are more inclined to support PN because the component parties in PN namely PAS and BERSATU are seen as more ultra-identity (racial and religious) as a replacement for UMNO and are seen as more serious in fighting for and defending Malay and Islamic sovereignty. Non-Malay voters are more comfortable supporting PH because of its moderate political ideology and the fight for justice and equal rights of all races that the party is fighting for. Thus, the influence of ethnic geography dominates voter support patterns more than spatial geography.