PAKATAN Harapan was truly trounced in Saturday’s Tanjung Piai by-election, and Barisan Nasional more than made up lost ground.

While PH’s loss was expected, the margin of BN’s victory was much bigger than almost anyone had predicted. Even the most seasoned politicians, including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, did not see it coming.

And why would they? Just six months ago, the general mood was still optimistic. A year ago, it was euphoric. Surely a small broken promise here and a stupid remark there could not have eroded the public’s confidence in the government that much?

The dearth of good projects, lack of positive sound bites, inability to rev up a sluggish government machinery and failure to build on delivered promises have contributed to the hopelessness and frustration felt by even the staunchest PH supporters.

The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, which was launched with much fanfare, has done little to placate an electorate upset over the ruling pact’s string of unfulfilled pledges.

Capping PH’s woes are a few cabinet members who lack the ability to deliver, or communicate, or both, making themselves a fitting replacement for BN-era deputy minister Ahmad Maslan in the position of class clown.

These PH leaders are the ones who hit the headlines, burying the good work done by their functioning peers.

After the Tg Piai contest, Dr Mahathir hit the nail on the head when he said an honest post-mortem is needed. Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin hammered home a great second point, that much change must happen for PH to recover lost ground.

Tg Piai dealt a heavy blow to the pact. But, it is certainly far from being a death blow.

Besides its 14th general election result, the constituency, like most others in Johor, is a BN fortress.

The by-election saw a voting pattern similar to that in 2008. In the years before, MCA was even stronger under Ong Ka Ting. The seat’s racial distribution has not changed much in 10 years. Saturday’s vote was more of PH’s failure to retain the support it snatched from BN in GE14.

There are, however, things working in PH’s favour.

The political temperature has subsided, and the conversation has somewhat shifted away from race and religion. There should be less interest now in the Buy Muslim First campaign and other such initiatives.

BN and PAS would do well to see the wisdom in moving a little to the centre in their quest to wrest Putrajaya.

PH’s latest by-election defeat since GE14 should help Bersatu realise that being “Umno Lite” will not endear it to right-wingers, and will only see it losing the support of the middle ground and centre-left that helped the pact win last year’s general election.

Also, much of the hate aimed at PH on social media has eased, with warnings already issued to the pact to buck up.

Now is the time for PH to focus on its core supporters and allies, crank up efforts to improve the economy, help put more money in the people’s pockets, boost employment and deliver on its promises of reform.

Its leaders who indulge in chest-thumping and meaningless rhetoric, and who propose outlandish and expensive ideas, must go. PH has been derailed enough by their antics.

Excessive politicking has to stop, as does the constant questioning about the handover of power from Dr Mahathir to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim. A leadership transition plan is in place, and both leaders have work to do. Other politicians should start on theirs, too.

The people have spoken loud and clear, and PH must take heed.

The next battle will not be against a ragtag crew, but an organised opposition. And, it will not be for the votes of an idealistic and forgiving electorate, but one that demands a government that is better than the previous, or even current, administration. – November 20, 2019.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* 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.