THE picture does not look promising for Malaysians after seeing a return of unapologetic kleptocrats.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s reminder of ‘Melayu mudah lupa’ befits the current status quo in politics and administration.

The recent Malacca state elections saw a major win for Barisan Nasional and more importantly, a troubling upset for Pakatan Harapan which had once represented hope for the nation.

Has there really been a change of heart among voters?

Certainly, voters for PH are disillusioned by its dismal performance in the federal government when our 7th prime minister, Dr Mahathir, failed to fulfil the manifesto’s promises including handing over his position.

He went further to disenfranchise PH supporters by causing the collapse of the government. No voters including the Malays would have been that absent minded to forget what had transpired. 

There are pressing issues that need to be prioritised during this epidemic –  unemployment, high cost of living and welfare for the marginalised.

Unfortunately, defection being the common theme for Malaysian politics had brought down a functional state government and showcased the divisions and factionalism in the ruling coalition as Umno and Bersatu had fielded candidates in the same seats!

What is the real sentiment among the Malay voters?

From what once had been the chant among voters – ‘Asal Bukan Umno’ (as long as it is not Umno) – the odds now favour them as the now ‘Pakatan Tiada Harapan’ (no hope alliance) is a bane for Malay voters as long as DAP remains arrogant in the coalition.

PH leaders are supposed to stand united and conduct a post mortem before delivering any jabs.

Denial, excuses and blame are easy ways out from collective responsibility and accountability among respective leaders.

Why did some DAP leaders fail to own up to the failure as a team and demanded the opposition leader to resign? 

True values of leadership come from a display of unity through tough times.

Anwar Ibrahim has defended DAP each time PH is accused of jeopardising the fate of Malays in this country.

His vision of creating an egalitarian society will be hard to eschew now, but every hopeful Malaysian believes it may be nurtured. 

Many want progress yet remain fearful of change. It is discomforting to their old habit and practices. The Malay sentiment against DAP can only be shifted through organisational rethinking of values while balancing equity and constitutional sanctity.

If the opposition wishes to remain relevant to secure a higher voter turnout in GE14, the only right thing to do is to start showing a strong and stable relationship within PH. 

• Ismail Hasnan 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.