PH should counter identity politics through Malay outreach, says DAP rep
A DAP assemblyman has urged the Pakatan Harapan coalition to engage more directly with the Malay community to counter identity politics. He argues that the coalition must better communicate its commitment to constitutional provisions regarding Islam and Bumiputera rights.
Why it matters
This reflects ongoing tensions in Malaysian politics regarding ethnic representation and the effectiveness of coalition governance in a multicultural society.
Kota Kemuning assemblyman S Preakas said PH must acknowledge that it has sometimes been too slow in responding to misinformation and identity-based narratives.
PETALING JAYA: A DAP assemblyman has urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) to continue engaging directly with the Malay community following the Negeri Sembilan election, where the coalition said it was defeated because its rivals exploited identity politics.
In a statement, Kota Kemuning assemblyman S Preakas said PH must continue engaging directly with Malay communities – not defensively, but confidently.
"It should continue demonstrating through policies and actions that protecting the constitutional position of Islam, safeguarding the special position of the Malays and Bumiputera, and building a fair Malaysia for all are not contradictory objectives.
"They are complementary pillars of our Federal Constitution," he said in a statement.
He said while constitutional guarantees remained intact, claims that they are under threat continued, often with DAP being blamed.
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