GEORGE TOWN – Although Gerakan has floated the possibility of DAP working with its main nemesis Umno to cement its helm of the Penang government, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) party has pooh-poohed such talk.
Former state Gerakan election chairman Wong Mun Hoe said a partnership could happen, spurred on by current political sentiments in Penang.
He said in an interview that support for DAP and its PH partners PKR and Amanah has dwindled, going by the election results in Melaka and Sarawak.
“Instead, there has been a swing towards Umno in Malay-dominant seats and even some mixed seats since the last general election in 2018.
“So, the only two parties certain of support are DAP with its non-Malay voter bank and Umno with the Malays. When the election is over, these two could be the last two standing.”
As for Gerakan, Wong said that he hopes the party can take advantage of current uncertainties, but it still needs to sort out its internal leadership and issues of consolidation if it is to regain strength, particularly in Penang where it once held sway.
However, DAP central executive committee member and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy dismissed the matter as mere speculation.
He said that although politics is the art of the impossibility, and DAP, like any other party, is looking at ways to build support, it is wishful thinking on the part of Gerakan, which should focus on regaining its foothold instead of playing DAP against Umno.
“Malaysia is in a turbulent political position. We need to find ways to bring back progress and good governance.
“I think we are not comfortable working with the kleptocrats of Umno president (Datuk Seri Ahmad) Zahid (Hamidi) or former prime minister (Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak).”
He added that DAP needs to ensure that Penang and the country are not victimised by the politicking taking place now.
DAP is currently dominant with 19 state seats while Umno has two, with the remaining seats held by PKR, Amanah, Bersatu, and PAS.
Other parties such as Warisan and Muda are also eyeing some seats in Penang.
Newcomer Parti Bangsa Malaysia may also be keen to contest in Penang. – The Vibes, December 28, 2021
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