ON the lighter side of things, and at least from Pakatan Harapan’s perspective, the recent two by-elections in Cameron Highlands and just-concluded Semenyih are nothing extraordinary. 

What can you really expect from these two by-elections, especially when there have been no major shifts in voting patterns? 

Just as in the case of Cameron Highlands, the Semenyih polls was won by Barisan Nasional-Umno on the basis of its support from PAS. 

Thus, without the PAS factor, PH could have won, although narrowly. 

While this might be consolation for PH, at least for the time being, the PAS factor might have to be reckoned with in future by-elections and, for that matter, in the next general election.

It is not that PH lost Malay support, but that the margin was reduced due to the devious game played by PAS. 

Despite corruption charges and the ostentatious living styles of some PAS leaders, it is quite obvious that the allegations against PAS probably never sunk into the minds of the voters. 

Umno seems to be still relevant among the Malays. In combination with PAS, it might prove deadly against PH or its Malay-based component parties. 

Despite the numerous charges against Najib Razak and other Umno leaders, it appears these have not made any serious dent on the level of support for Umno or even Najib. 

In the Semenyih by-election, Najib pulled more crowds during his campaign than PH leaders. Why was this so?

Non-Malays, Chinese and Indians were fixed deposits for PH. However, this should never be taken for granted by PH. 

In the Semenih by-election, low voter turnout due to dissatisfaction with PH could have been the reason. The poor performance of PH leaders in carrying out reforms and implementing its election manifesto promises were reasons cited for the dissatisfaction among non-Malays. 

Stronger voter turnout could have made the difference but this did not materialise. Rising cost of living, lack of opportunities for non-Malays and the arrogance of some PH leaders in addressing legitimate grievances was a disappointment to them.

The BN-Umno has sent ripples within PH’s ranks. While Umno and PAS have been emboldened by their race and religion formula, PH leaders have sent out mixed signals. 

While the PKR president has called for a just solution for all Malaysians, its deputy president, Azmin Ali, felt that PH’s Malay agenda has to be revitalised. 

Such a call is not only disturbing but lends coherence to his earlier justification for Bersatu to admit former Umno members into its fold. 

Anwar Ibrahim, the next prime minister of Malaysia, seems to be on the right path for broader multiracial solutions for Malaysians but others in PH are pandering to narrow identity politics that would put them in the same boat as Umno and PAS leaders. 

The danger for PH is not from outside but from within, especially from leaders who are merely paying lip service to citizens of a multiracial and multi-religious Malaysia. 

In fact, in could even be argued that it is the lack of ideological cohesiveness that served as a setback in the Semenyih polls. 

PH, as responsible coalition with a large reform agenda, should not stoop so low to the narrow identity politics of Umno or PAS. 

Whether you agree or not, PH cannot outperform both these parties on identity issues.

Both Umno and PAS, being the opposition, have nothing to lose and need not hold back on unleashing the worst forms of identity politics. 

But PH cannot do this or even emulate these parties, whose leaders are corrupt to the core.

PAS leaders have learned from Umno. It has not only benefitted from funds provided by Umno but have become great liars and political charlatans.  

The assurance provided by PAS leaders to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that they would support Umno in the recent by-election turned out to be another lie.

The recent by-elections have presented a stark choice to Malaysians as to the way forward. 

If narrow sectarian politics are going to determine the future trajectory of the nation, then we have to return to the all familiar terrain of ethnic and religious outbidding. 

But if this not the way forward, then there is a serious need to rethink the options. – March 5, 2019.

* Ramasamy Palanisamy reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.