The Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs in Sarawak and Sabah begin to dance. At first, it is only a solo dance. However, more and more people are getting onto the dance floor including a high-powered BN team who has gone there to dance to their tune.

The delegation has successfully comforted the people. The people at the other side wants to tango now. The appointed Deputy Minister resigned. It is just like a double tango. They still hugged each other tightly at one moment, only to leave the dance the next moment.

The most fearful performance is perhaps the warrior dance during the Gawai festival. I'm afraid it would be the star performance when the Sabah and Sarawak politicians dance together. The political situation in East Malaysia is ever-changing. Unlike the political arena in Peninsular Malaysia, political parties in East Malaysia do not have a fixed ideology. They don't have clear ideas and specific target.

Everything is up for bargain.

During the Mahathir era, he used coercion and inducement to maintain a semblance of harmony on the surface. However, the Federal control has been weakened during the Abdullah era. After the 8 Mar political tsunami, the power and rights of the central government and the state government have lost their balance. The political parties can no longer contain themselves. The politicians are waiting for the best time to take their actions.

The East Malaysia's BN seats are as many as 54 seats, and have made up nearly 40% of BN total seats. If they join the opposition, the current regime might fall. After all, the opposition parties only need another 30 seats to form a government.

The politicians in East Malaysia understand that the life of the BN is in their hand. It is now the best time to ask for better offers.

However, the question is, what is the Abdullah government giving?

For example, the East Malaysia politicians have only 10% of the cabinet positions, even though they have made up nearly 40% of the parliamentary seats. Only two politicians are appointed as Minister. Furthermore, they are not in-charge of important positions.

This entertaining-style of seats allocation is contradict with the “great achievements” of East Malaysia BN. How can we expect them to be convinced?

If the BN does not correct this imbalance, the dancing in Sarawak and Sabah may just dangerously off beat. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by LEE MEI NYEE/ Sin Chew Daily)