Commentary by Mustafa K Anuar 

THERE’S something intriguing about Dominic Lau: his exuberant confidence in the face of many challenges in Malaysian politics. 

The Gerakan president had the unfortunate history of twice failing to seize the Batu parliamentary constituency in the 2013 and 2018 general elections, while his party’s fortunes have fallen ever since it was ousted in Penang by DAP in 2008. 

Penang was Gerakan’s political fortress for decades since 1969. It is now a shadow of its former self. 

And yet, Lau appears convinced that his lacklustre party will be able to make a comeback and trounce the incumbent DAP, in particular, and Pakatan Harapan generally in the Penang state election. 

The former academic was widely expected to contest the Bukit Tengah state seat, which was considered a Gerakan stronghold until 2008. 

His profuse confidence seems to stem partly from his assertion that DAP particularly and PH generally have not delivered on any of their election promises, which he did not state in detail. 

While the DAP-led state government may not be flawless, particularly in the matter of development, it is quite a stretch to assert that the party has not delivered on most of its promises since 2008. 

At this political juncture, it would be helpful if Lau and his Gerakan comrades are to publicise their vision of a supposedly better Penang, let alone Malaysia, that would improve the quality of life of the common people. How different is it compared with DAP’s concept of development?   

Lau’s confidence also seems to derive from the personal conviction of Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin that the opposition could win “nearly 20” state seats to gain a simple majority in the 40-seat Penang state legislative assembly. 

While the dream of electoral success is alluring, Lau’s confidence, however, ought to be tempered with the political realities in the country, particularly as regards his party’s fortunes at the ballot box. 

For all intents and purposes, Gerakan is essentially an appendage to the Malay-based PN. It does not have much clout, if any, in helping to steer the coalition. 

To reiterate, Gerakan is nothing but small fry – if we are to call a spade a spade – in the scheme of things. 

Gerakan’s presence is meant to give a semblance of multiculturalism and inclusivity to the Malay-Muslim-dominated coalition, especially at a time when the “green wave” is seen to be gaining momentum in the Malay heartland. 

Thus, it would be delusional of Gerakan to think it could garner votes – particularly from the non-Malay constituencies and mixed constituencies – if it fails to convince the non-Malays as well as progressive Malays that it could play a useful role in promoting moderation in national politics stained with religious extremism and racial bigotry. 

Its coalition partners PAS and Bersatu are often accused of engaging in such divisive and problematic narratives. 

Did the rest of the PN coalition, for instance, listen to Gerakan deputy president Oh Teong Keong when he demanded that PAS lawmaker Wan Razali Wan Nor apologise to the nursing fraternity for asserting that nurses’ uniforms were too tight and not Sharia-compliant? 

The Penang Gerakan head had earlier criticised Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for questioning Penang’s sovereignty, but his other partners didn’t seem to care two hoots about it. 

Confidence is a vital asset for any aspiring politician, but it must be anchored in social reality. 

Otherwise, a desired electoral win may turn out to be merely a figment of Gerakan’s imagination. – June 21, 2023.