IT will take a while for the dust to settle after the six state elections, which have left us with a bundle of messages to decipher. Time is of the essence if we are to address the issues quickly and effectively.

For Perikatan Nasional (PN), this is a moment to be milked for all its worth. At the same time, it should also ask itself why it failed to win three more states.

For Pakatan Harapan (PH), the mood is hardly one of revelry. It is taking a well-deserved respite before starting work again to turn the tide for the next five years .

Already there are calls for heads to roll.

Sacking anyone at this point would be unwise and counterproductive.

Anwar Ibrahim needs to use the next five years wisely.

That means he should not further alienate the Malay states but instead communicate facts more effectively.

It is a fact that Umno and PKR still has control over more Malay majority states than PN. Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Pahang, Johor, and Selangor are all Malay-majority states. 

It is a fact that there are more Muslims combined in these states than in the states PN governs. There are more Muslims in Selangor than in Kelantan or Terengganu. 

It is a fact that Bersatu, despite all the talk, does not hold a ministerial position in the government and is subservient to PAS despite its prominent head. 

It is fact that DAP is more than accommodating of its partners and despite holding a near all-win record, has been lying low to allay unfounded fears. 

It is a fact that Anwar is prime minister for all Malaysians, not only Muslims. 

It is a fact that every Malaysian vote is equal. 

By that logic, if the elections were truly a referendum, Anwar has won it convincingly. 

Selangor accounted for a third of all ballots cast in the six state elections on Saturday. 

There is nothing wrong with the PM working for all Malaysians.

A Chinese should not be made to feel dirty because he or she voted DAP or a Malay be called racist for voting PN. Nor should they be punished for their choice. 

Both sides should make the effort to understand the other’s reasoning for their choices.

Rather than focus completely on winning the lost votes on the east coast and in the north, Anwar and his government should work with these powerful building blocks to bolster his popularity and strength.

The overtures for reconciliation are a good beginning, but must be balanced with a carrot, and if necessary, a stick, to unify Malaysia again. 

It is not an absurdity to say that if we fail to rein in the polarisation that began in 2008, we will soon cross the point of no return. – August 16, 2023.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* 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.