Optimism on regaining lost Malay ground for Pakatan-BN

GEORGE TOWN – The national unity alliance must be prepared to rule a Malaysia which is now separated into four regional political groups, for the next five years.

Regionalism politics has now taken root – with four zones, namely the east coast Malaysian states which also encompass Perlis and Kedah; Sabah; Sarawak; and the unity region of the peninsular west coast stretching from Penang onwards, said DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong.

Liew said that it is not all gloom and doom for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional who share power with their Sabah and Sarawak counterparts.

“Despite that some quarters are saying that the Malay ground is lost, I think 40% of the dominant voter group remains entrenched with the unity alliance,” he said after yesterday’s elections.

The 40% are visible in states such as Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor, while the Bumiputeras of Sabah and Sarawak also support the concept that the best way forward is a politics of progress based on the principles of unity and tolerance, said Liew.

“The onus now (is) for Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to focus on gaining back the 60% lost through inclusive policies and advocating that the sacred antidote for a progressive Malaysia since independence is through the art of moderation and pragmatism,” he said.

He said that in politics, there must always be a check and balance, as well as a credible opposition, as only through such a formula would the country benefit as a whole.

“So, we respect the differing views, and we must learn to govern in the context of regionalism politics. We have done it before, and we will continue to do it.”

Although the 3Rs of race, religion and royalty might be used to divide rather than unite a weary nation, Liew believed that the unity alliance can rebut extremism narratives.

Liew was providing his take on the consequences of the six state elections where Perikatan Nasional gained supermajorities in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan despite the obvious contentious leaderships in such states.

Despite pointing out the alleged misgovernance in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, the voters in such states remained unflinched and resolutely supported the status quo of PAS.

Selangor under PH lost its two-third majority for the first time since 2008 and saw the comebacks of two former PKR leaders – Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Dr Afif Bahardin.

However, PH retained a two-thirds majority in Penang and Negri Sembilan, but for the former victory was bittersweet as it only narrowly secured the margin, winning 29 out of 40 seats.

In the last election in 2018, PH in Penang won 37 out of the 40 seats.

Liew said that he is confident that the 60% of the lost Malay ground can be reclaimed to an extent if the message of inclusivity and progress is effectively shared with the masses.

This includes the messaging of the concept of Madani, which essentially translates to progress for all groups, and not one single group is left behind, he said. – The Vibes, August 13, 2023