PARTI Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and Muda have no chance of winning any seats in the August 12 elections in six states as the polls are seen as a two-horse race between major political coalitions, observers said. 

They said the main competition remains between Pakatan Harapan/Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.

They warned that despite both parties putting up credible candidates, they might even lose their deposits.

Experts said the reasons are clear – both parties lack grassroots support and machinery and voters want a coalition that can form a state government. 

“In the state polls, voters want a party that can form a stable government led by a significant party or coalition. Muda and PSM have introduced good candidates but that is not enough,” said Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

“Their grassroots members are not strong, they can’t reach voters like PH/BN and PN can do. In the end, voters will choose familiar faces with political party backing,” added the academic.

He also disclosed a survey he conducted in Meru and Batu 3 in Selangor recently showing the lack of support for Muda and PSM candidates.

“In Meru, a PSM candidate is contesting and in the survey only 0.1% would choose her. The same goes for Muda’s candidate in Batu 3.

“Voters are aware of these candidates but prefer to vote for PH/BN or PN. Also, Anwar Ibrahim’s presence in the state is huge. People will want someone who cares about their interests,” he said, referring to the prime minister who has been busy campaigning in all six states for PH and BN.

In the coming state elections, PSM is contesting in four seats, all in Selangor. Muda meanwhile will have 14 candidates contesting in Selangor, three in Penang, two in Negri Sembilan and one candidate in Terengganu, totalling 20 candidates.

Idealism alone not enough

Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi of University Malaya said PSM and Muda were going into the polls banking solely on their idealism.

He said with only idealism, it would be hard for PSM and Muda to sell their “product”.

“They are good candidates but that is not enough to turn voters away from PH and PN.

“It will always be PH, BN and PN as a coalition. Smaller parties have to join either PN or PH/BN if they want to win seats,” he said.

Hisomuddin Bakar of Ilham Centre had an even darker warning for both parties.

He said there is a high possibility that PSM and Muda would lose their deposits just like independent candidates.

He said this was because the wave brought on by PH/BN and PN was just too strong for PSM and Muda.

“Muda and PSM can’t match the wave carried by the two largest coalitions. Voters will definitely look at PH/BN or PN.

“They’ll lose their deposits just like independent candidates,” said Hisomuddin.

Going into the polls, PSM has been banking on its service for the grassroots and the poor while Muda has been questioning the lack of reforms by the Anwar-led federal government. –  August 9, 2023.