You wouldn’t let your grandparents pick your playlist. Why would you let them pick your representative who’s going to determine your future?
– Barack Obama, Former US president
BRACE yourselves for another showdown: elections are back in town!
In the second half of this year, several states in Malaya, namely, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, are scheduled to hold their state elections.
The collapse of the first Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration in 2020 significantly shifted Malaysia’s political landscape, leading to separate state assembly terms in various states.
Among these states, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah are currently governed by PAS, a significant party within Malaysia’s leading opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN).
On the other hand, the remaining three states, namely, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang, are under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s PH coalition.
The upcoming state elections hold significant importance as they will serve as a crucial test of support for Anwar’s administration, coming less than a year after he assumed power.
By some accounts, the PH coalition anticipates retaining control of the three states it currently leads while setting its sights on capturing Kedah from PN.
These elections will provide valuable insights into the public’s perception of Anwar’s leadership and PH’s ability to maintain its political strongholds while seeking further gains in Kedah.
After GE14, with the previous political coalitions relegated to supporting roles, PH and PN have emerged as the dominant political blocs in Malaysia.
With their increased strength and influence, these coalitions are already competing fiercely against each other due to the upcoming state polls.
Although these are state elections, the outcome could either solidify the position of PH or strengthen PN. If it weakens the PH coalition, another round of political carnage and changes in our political landscape is possible.
Most would agree that since GE15, Malaysia has had relative political stability compared to the shenanigans of the past few years.
Currently, we are faced with various economic issues. It has just been announced that there is another drop in the ringgit’s value compared to the greenback. Our exports have seen a dip and imports will cost more.
During times of economic instability, the bread and butter issues, including the soaring cost of living and the challenging employment landscape, typically assume paramount importance and significantly influence voter behaviour during elections.
The electoral prospects of the PH government hinge upon their ability to project competence in economic management and exhibit resilience in the face of prevailing challenges.
Effectively conveying the perception of adept economic governance will be pivotal in instilling confidence among voters in the six states, ultimately benefiting the PH government’s electoral prospects.
However, as the battle for the hearts and minds of Malay voters intensifies in the upcoming state elections, the simmering race and religion issues have the potential to surface prominently.
The manner in which PN leverages these issues to tug at the emotional heartstrings of Malay voters will be pivotal in shaping the electoral outcome.
In light of this, Pakatan Harapan and Anwar are undoubtedly strategising ways to navigate this delicate terrain, aiming to mitigate the impact of race and religion while simultaneously maintaining support among the Chinese and Indian voters.
One example of this approach is when the national unity government recently withdrew the appeal of a 15-year long-standing legal dispute on the restriction of the use of the word ‘Allah’. Although welcomed by many, it was also seen as weakening PH amongst Muslim voters.
After that, it was announced that the Anwar administration would proceed with a long-standing proposed amendment to the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, commonly referred to as RUU355.
This proposed amendment has in the past sparked significant debate due to the fear that sometime in the future, or in one way or another, it might become applicable to non-Muslims.
Both are considered hot-button topics.
However, it can be interpreted as the government’s commitment to addressing sensitive religious matters and fostering a climate of inclusivity and unity within the nation.
This delicate and challenging balancing act poses a significant test for their political acumen and ability to appeal to diverse segments of the electorate.
If they can successfully accomplish these types of feats, it would serve as a testament to their political maturity and astuteness.
By striking the right balance and effectively addressing the concerns and aspirations of diverse voter groups, they would demonstrate their ability to foster broad-based support and lay the groundwork for future electoral success.
Meanwhile, in Sarawak, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reiterated the commitment to unity and stability under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
During a recent event, he emphasised the significance of unity by stating, “While we have made remarkable progress over the past 60 years, it is our unity that truly matters. Despite our differences, we coexist as one harmonious family, a bond that is unparalleled and perhaps incomprehensible to those in the Peninsula.”
The presence of GPS in the national unity government can act as a moderating influence on the national political scene.
The upcoming elections in the six states present an opportunity for voters to prioritise the crucial issue of stability, which can significantly impact economic investments and overall development.
Voters must recognise stability is pivotal role in fostering economic betterment for all citizens.
By emphasising stability and supporting candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting economic growth, the electorate can contribute to the advancement and well-being of the nation as a whole.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
