KUALA LUMPUR – Voters need only look as far as the states run by Pakatan Harapan (PH) to gauge how effective the coalition will be if given the mandate to form the next federal government.
This is the message by PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Malaysians still doubtful of the multiracial coalition’s leadership and administrative quality.
In an interview with The Vibes, the PKR president said that other than its hard stance against corruption, PH offers an equitable administration that protects the interest of all citizens.
While the special privileges of certain communities must be respected, he said, the coalition is also intolerant of racism and bigotry.
Anwar, who is contesting in Tambun this election, stressed that it would be wrong to think that looking after the privileges of the Malays means a party cannot protect the rights of other races.
He said this is also why he has been promoting the success of PH-held states, which he said are unlike certain administrations embroiled in endemic corruption at the expense of the rakyat.
All these leaders are amassing wealth, so why do you then think you can depend on them?
“So we give examples. Look at what is happening in Selangor, Penang, and Negri Sembilan.”
Anwar was asked to comment on how he and PH intend to garner Malay support, and if being multiracial and treating all Malaysians equally will translate to votes.
For Anwar, capturing the hearts of this majority group requires an educational process, but it is not unachievable.
“I don’t believe that the general Malays cannot be persuaded. Of course, there is a different fear, they think DAP may be too dominant and dictate policy matters, so we have to assure them.”
He said that DAP understands and respects the constitution, and one needs to only look at Penang, which has been administered by DAP since 2008, where the state government continues to enjoy Malay support.
Anwar added that being a multiracial coalition also means PH is able to attract support from a bigger vote bank.
‘I’m not neglecting the Malays’
The PKR leader dismissed the accusation hurled by his Tambun opponent, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, that he is neglecting Malay support in the constituency.
Anwar noted that much of his campaigning has been focused on Manjoi, the Malay-majority constituency under Tambun.
“I have attended some functions there, even the launching of a book by one traditional scholar. I also went to some remote villages, and the people were quite receptive.
“And when I interact with them about Islam and the Malay interest, they realise that it’s not just about using the race card,” he said.
In a separate interview with The Vibes previously, Faizal had said that he has the edge over Anwar due to support from the Malay community, which he claimed will shun the PKR leader due to his association with DAP.
Faizal had said that there is a clear sign the Malays are rejecting Anwar, and accused the latter of failing to understand the community’s sentiment.
He previously won the Tambun seat in the 2018 general election under the PH coalition, before Bersatu defected and later formed PN.
In this election, Faizal will face Anwar, BN’s Datuk Seri Aminudin Md Hanafiah, and Pejuang's Abdul Rahim Tahir in a four-cornered fight.
Meanwhile, Anwar said his decision to contest Tambun in the 15th general election was made out of confidence that he would win the seat for PH.
With the election campaign entering its 13th day today, Anwar said he still remains cautiously optimistic about his chances, a statement he has repeated on numerous occasions since announcing his candidacy for the constituency.
“I wouldn’t consider Tambun if I wasn’t confident about winning,” the PH chairman said.
“But having said that, I’m not taking things easy. We have a very good team there, we have managed to set up our machinery, even (visiting) house to house, focusing on the Malay areas.
“At the same time, we are consolidating our base support among the Chinese, Indians, and Orang Asli.” – The Vibes, November 18, 2022
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