PLAYING up issues of race, religion and royalty (3R) is a sure-fire way for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to win the Malay vote in the state polls, analysts said.

They said PN realised this strategy would be effective as it had secured huge support from Malays in the November general election.

They said the 3R “campaign” is not only effective in Malay pockets on the east coast, but also other parts of the country.

“They got the maximum benefit in GE15. This sentiment does not only apply to people in rural areas in Kelantan or Terengganu but all over the country because this is an emotion. They manage to trigger the Malay emotion – what we call the Malay psychographic,” said Ilham Centre executive director Hisommudin Bakar.

“But this can be contained if the police, the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Agency), the Election Commission and other relevant authorities play a role in curbing the spread of 3R-related information.

“If this is done, I think PN will have a tough time coming up against the unity government,” he said.

Two weeks ago, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said newly minted Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain and his deputy Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay will address 3R-related issues in the run-up to the August 12 state polls.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil had issued a stern warning to all parties to refrain from spreading 3R sentiments.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a final warning to all parties not to exploit 3R issues, which can split the country.

He said the MCMC and police will monitor the situation.

Lack of counter-narrative

Imam Research programme director Badrul Hisham Ismail said the spread of 3R issues is due to the lack of counter-narratives from the unity government.

He said if politicians from the unity government could come up with an alternative narrative, the matter can be contained.

“Will playing up the 3R issues benefit PN? Yes and no. Those who believe in these issues will buy into them.

“It is an issue covering all states, not just for those in the east coast. The unity government has to come up with a different approach to deal with this narrative.

“Authorities can monitor and take action, but they won’t be able to change perception. 

“Such issues are connected to the economy. Those who believe in them may think they could lose their livelihoods. An explanation (from the unity government) is needed here,” he said.

Getting out of hand

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia academic Mazlan Ali hopes PN employs a different approach in campaigning.

“(PN’s use of 3R issues) is very effective in Kelantan and Terengganu because if it is about religion, people will get emotional.

“PN will benefit from it but I do hope it will not touch on 3R as a campaign tool, and instead use other issues such as the high cost of living and the economy.

“When it comes to 3R, it is not just the Malays who are affected. The Chinese and Indians will feel the heat, too, and if it is not monitored and controlled, things can get out of hand. We do not want that,” he said. – July 14, 2023.