BERSATU and Amanah are still incapable of replacing Umno and PAS to champion Malay rights issues, said Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi.

The University Malaya academic said both Pakatan Harapan component parties are also finding it tough to change their rivals’ narrative that race and religion is under threat in the country.

Awang Azman said that Bersatu and Amanah had this major issue to resolve before the next general election.

“By now or perhaps even before the general election, Bersatu should have replaced Umno and Amanah should have buried PAS, but it seems that they have yet to be able to do that.

“The result in the general election says it all. Bersatu manage to win 13 from 57 seats, Amanah got 11 from 37 seats,” the academic said during the Malay Islam Narrative after GE14 forum at the deputy prime minister’s residence. 

Awang Azman said the two parties must work hard to fix the Islam and Malay narrative that is currently being pushed extensively by Umno and PAS to the Malay community.

“We have heard many issues pertaining to Islam and Malays. Islam is under threat and Malays are being fooled. These perceptions, if not fixed, will become a problem for the government. They must find a way to counter the narrative.

“Perhaps they should empower the Muslims, look deep on how to increase the income of the poor such as the Felda small time farmers and fishermen,” he said.

Awang Azman also criticised Pakatan Harapan for accepting lawmakers from Umno, saying that the government should get close to the people instead of politicians.

“Politicians come and go, they won’t last. If they win this time, next time they might lose. Taking them in is a short-term plan.

“The government should get close to the people, get the support from the grassroot and locals in the area. Get close to the village chiefs, imams and other stakeholders. They have the capability to draw support from normal folks,” he said. 

Asked if Umno is reforming its leadership, Awang Azman said the Malay rights party is not making much progress in terms of replacing the old guard.

“They try to change but not that strong. Very little changes have been made so far. The top leadership is still the same despite charges in court,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the cabinet under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership is looking at sharing the country’s wealth rather than empowering those from a single race or religion. 

She was replying to a question about the cooperation between PAS and Umno, who are set to ink a formal relationship next month.

“It is their political move and if they feel that it is good that it is up to them, but we are living in a multiracial country.

“Pakatan Harapan is looking to share prosperity with every one of its citizens. This is the plan by our own prime minister,” she said after attending the forum. – August 29, 2019.