Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

TODAY is a day of trepidation for two coalitions, each trying to protect its strongholds but at the same time hoping to gain a foothold in its opponent’s states. 

Prior to the elections, Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah were in the hands of Perikatan Nasional (PN), while Pakatan Harapan (PH) controlled Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan.

The bigger ambition of the coalitions is, of course, to take control of all the six states, but it is generally predicted that the coalitions would maintain their respective strongholds. 

For the first time, PH joins hands with its former rival Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly Umno, to be a formidable force to fight against PN in an election that promise to be hotly contested, especially in an intense wooing of Malay-Muslim voters.

The elections will be a test on the strength of the political alliance between PH and Umno, which has found itself going to bed with PH component DAP as a result.

Umno had demonised the Chinese-dominated DAP over the years as a party that is anathema to Malay interests, a mantra that the Malay community in general has internalised.

Hence, the competition will also gauge Umno’s ability to convince the Malay electorate as well as BN supporters that such a tie-up is for the larger good of the country of diverse communities.

This is apart from Umno having to overcome its baggage of corruption cases, a factor that has caused many Malays to dump the grand old party only to seek supposed solace from PN, which has painted itself as the protector and advocate of Malay rights and interests, as well as a symbol of moral uprightness. 

Put another way, this is the first time that the PH-BN alliance, warts and all, is seeking an endorsement of its union from the electorate in the six states particularly and the country as a whole. 

If PH is to maintain its three states and possibly make significant inroads into the “green wave” states, this should send the message that Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government is well placed to fully focus on what many Malaysians expect it to do: rejuvenate the economy, revisit neglected reforms and foster inclusivity.

PN, on the other hand, consciously taps into the fear of the Malay electorate who have been constantly reminded that the non-Malays are an existential threat to the former, which could help the coalition make a dent in Malay pockets of the three states where PH has a strong presence. 

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Malay Proclamation, which has been endorsed by Muhyiddin Yassin and Abdul Hadi Awang of PN, has the effect of reinforcing Malay fear and anxiety. 

However, the excessively pro-Malay-Muslim stance taken by both PAS and Bersatu may alienate non-Malay voters from the supposedly multiethnic Gerakan, a PN ally, as well as non-Malay candidates representing the coalition. 

To be sure, fear has been made a handy tool for both coalitions.

While PN keeps harping on the need for the Malays to unite against the purported non-Malay threats, PH, particularly DAP, spook their constituencies by asserting that non-Muslims’ way of life and traditions would be adversely affected if they are hit by the “green wave”.

Malaysia needs to move away from the toxic politics of race and religion that has distracted its attention away from what matters, such as a vibrant economy, a better health and education system, social reforms, environmental concerns and ethnic harmony.

Voters in the six states will have to make the right decision for our country and the future of the younger generation. 

Let’s not gamble here. – August 12, 2023.