PAKATAN Harapan must work immediately to change the public perception that it is anti-Malay by having ministries adopt relevant parts of its election manifesto and making these promises a key performance indicator (KPI), a Bersatu strategist said.

Other component leaders of the ruling coalition called for clearer internal communications and to step up the perception war on social media, where Barisan Nasional is dominating the narrative. 

Reeling from the results of the recent Cameron Highlands by-election, which showed staunch support for BN among Malay voters despite PH in federal power, leaders said the Malay agenda must be made a priority to gain their confidence.

Bersatu strategy director Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff said PH has to show it is committed to its manifesto instead of heaping blame on the previous government.

“A promise is a promise. We really need to work on its fulfilment. If the manifesto promises are distributed among the ministries and made KPIs, it can be done.

“If there is a promise that is difficult or cannot be implemented, then a clear explanation must be given to the people,” Rais told The Malaysian Insight. 

There had been warning signs that PH was losing Malay support in the months before the Cameron Highlands by-election.

PH only had 17% of Malay support in GE14 to begin with, less than half of PAS’ 35% and far less that BN’s 46%.

In August, just three months after PH won federal power, a study by think-tank Ilham Centre found that Malay support for PH had eroded for several reasons, including the coalition’s failure to lower the cost of living.

Malay voters in the survey were also upset that non-Muslims were appointed to head key institutions.

‘Always on the defensive’

The same study also found that 11% of Malay voters who chose PH in GE14 were ready to vote for Umno-BN in the next general election.

Malay dissatisfaction with PH peaked over the proposal to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) this year, said Ilham Centre executive director Azlan Zainal. 

The government subsequently backtracked and said it is not a priority.

“PH is seen as always being on the defensive. The government doesn’t seem to have solutions to policy problems and cannot overcome negative (public) perception,” Azlan said.

This, and the inevitable teething problems of a new government have also put PH at a disadvantage in the social media war, where BN still has the upper hand.

Rais said Malay support could improve if PH had better perception management.

Losing the perception war

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub admitted that PH was weak in perception warfare, which was one of the reasons it lost in Cameron Highlands.

“PH cannot take this lightly, even though there is no evidence that it is anti-Malay, the perception has seeped into people’s thinking.

“At the same time, we need to strengthen our communication channels and fully utilise the official government channels,” said Salahuddin, who is the agriculture and agro-based industries minister.

Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar said PH leaders must work harder and ensure clear communication among themselves. 

“We must also go out in the field frequently to ensure that people are hearing the right information.  The anti-corruption message must also continue to be brought to the fore as it was a major issue that PH fought for (in the elections),” the Pokok Sena MP said.

Selangor PKR Youth chief Najwan Halimi said the government must tackle policies, including the Malay agenda, that will clearly define its direction and convince Malay voters.

“The government has to be more sensitive on matters that involve the Malays, especially on those that involve Islam, the Malay language, education and culture, as well as economic issues which burden groups like the small traders.” – January 29, 2019.