PAKATAN Harapan (PH) has failed to push back against accusations that the Chinese community would dominate the Malays if the coalition came back into power, Anwar Ibrahim said today.

The opposition leader said the same propaganda was used by its enemies in the Malacca state elections last Saturday.

“Their campaign revolved around painting the perception that if PH ruled, the Chinese community would dominate the Malays.

“We know that is not true, and we have denied this in the 22 months that we were in government, but we have not been able to convince the people,” he said.

The PKR president was commenting on the issue at an event in Machap, Johor, which saw Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik join the reform party.

The election saw Barisan Nasional (BN) return to power with 21 seats, while PH picked up five and Perikatan Nasional (PN) two.

The PKR lost in all 11 seats it had contested.

The Port Dickson MP said though PH’s performance in the 22 months was well received, racial issues against the coalition had been too ingrained and difficult to shake off.

“Though our policies were good, we still found it a challenge to get rid of this perception among the people,” he noted.

On the thumping it got in Malacca, Anwar said the new campaigning standard operating procedure worked to the advantage of the ruling coalition.

This, he said, made it much more difficult for PH to get closer to the people, unlike when ceramah and door-to-door campaigning was allowed.

The election commission banned all physical campaigning in Malacca in light of the Covid-19 epidemic.

“Many say Malacca was a campaign that wasn’t really a campaign as it was difficult to reach the people with SOP that gave the upper hand to the ruling parties.

“This experience shows us that we have to look at our shortcomings on all levels, including the president, and our relationship with our partner DAP and Amanah.

“We have to discuss to make things better, not point fingers at each other and capitulate to the demands of arrogant people,” he said.

Anwar however praised Maszlee for joining PKR despite the party suffering an embarrassing defeat in the Malacca state elections.

“A young leader who is full of potential has decided to join PKR and I admire his bravery and firmness in this situation, (while) certain individuals have been cynical against the struggle just because we lost in one state election.

“In politics, we shouldn’t rush to make decisions in panic. There will be no positive effect. The campaign in Malacca was out of the ordinary,” he added.

Anwar said he hoped with Maszlee joining PKR, it would breathe fresh air into the party, especially in Johor.

“Politics is a long-term investment, and, to ensure longevity, we have to put forth young leaders. In Johor, we have Maszlee and Akmal,” he said in reference to PKR youth leader Akmal Nasir.

“Only with a solid combination of young and experienced leaders can change be made.

“The old can contribute by way of idealism, which cannot be bought with money or position, while the young can bring change.”

To show that PKR is an organisation based on principles, Anwar said he decided to show up in person to accept Maszlee’s application to join the party.

“For me, I decided to come in person to send a message that this movement is people-centric (and is) based on principles,” he said. – November 27, 2021.