GEORGE TOWN – Early predictions by political scientists and observers generally envisage that next month’s six state elections would result in the status quo being maintained, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) retaining Penang, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan.
There is also a consensus that Perikatan Nasional (PN) will remain in power in Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan.
A “national unity wave” will go head-on with the PAS-led right-wing “green wave” with both sides neutralising each other. However, PH may suffer some losses if voter fatigue sets in among its core supporters, who may be reluctant to make their way to polling stations.
This is the second round of major elections within some nine months, as the 15th general election (GE15) was held in November last year. The Election Commission’s stance to allow more time for campaigning will lead to an anxious period ahead for those running.
At the same time, the social media machinery has never rested since the outcome of GE15 – generating much online debate about the state of the nation’s politics.
While PH may score points with its multiracial bent, its recent alliance with Barisan Nasional has yet to completely come to fruition. Old suspicions continue to fester within the ranks of the two coalitions.
Meanwhile, PN has drawn up a campaign largely aimed at Malay-Muslims.
Split among Malays
Voters will be hearing more about the narrative of unity to remove the country from the abyss of corruption, misgovernance, and abuses against the 3Rs (racialism, religion, and royalty), said former PKR deputy secretary-general S. Raveentharan.
However, as a non-Muslim, Raveentharan said that it would be heartless for him to ignore the robust race-centric campaign driven by none other than former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“He (Mahathir) has betrayed us not once but twice as a leader, and he is intent on inflicting more damage to the fragile race relations that the country has aspired to build and consolidate since independence,” he said.
“He should just be a statesman when there are more important matters to handle, from the economy to geopolitics, climate change, and sustainability, instead of harping on races victimising each other,” added Raveentharan.
Those in their right minds are aware that the election is about the split among the Malay ranks since the present prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sacked from Umno in 1998.
“It is not about inter-race relations but a divide within the Malay ground. Yet, the powers that be chose to blame the non-Malays. This is disappointing and unsettling,” Raveentharan said.
He urged voters to see how many Malay parties are seeking to contest. Mahathir preaches about Malay unity, yet he has formed two Malay-based political parties in less than five years when he could have opted to join the existing ones, pointed out Raveentharan.
The non-Malays should not be dragged into the dispute among Malay leaders, and for that matter, the same principle should apply to the Bumiputera in Sabah and Sarawak, said Raveentharan.
No fresh leadership faces
Universiti Sains Malaysia political scientist Prof Sivamurugan Pandian believes that for now, the situation will remain the same because both sides have firm support among their core supporters.
“It will probably be status quo in the six states involved in the polls, with reduced majority wins. The Malay seats are going to be shaky.
“If there is no internal sabotage, the parties in the coalition will be able to win, but each party must also look into the choice of candidates and internal party issues while not playing up issues pertaining to the 3Rs,” said Sivamurugan.
“This is to ensure that the country can move forward, and political harmony is maintained.”
Another scientist, Wong Chin Huat, aired views in line with Sivamurugan’s contention that it is looking to be a status quo.
However, he stressed that PH is unable to produce fresh and new leaders other than the present batch.
“There are no exciting state leaders for voters to lean on for PH in states such as Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan. So, in the absence of talent, people opt for the status quo,” said Wong. – The Vibes, July 9, 2023
