Successes count, but a strong narrative gets the votes
Political analyst Syaza Shukri argues that the Pakatan Harapan coalition is failing to connect with Malay voters because it lacks a compelling narrative beyond fearmongering. Former MP Charles Santiago suggests that relying on portraying PAS as a religious threat is no longer an effective substitute for actual governance and reform.
Why it matters
This highlights the shifting political landscape in Malaysia where identity politics and fear-based campaigning are losing their efficacy against demands for tangible policy delivery.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago warned that PH’s strategy of portraying PAS as a religious bogeyman to consolidate non-Malay support is losing its effectiveness.
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) problem is not that it lacks achievements in government, but that it has failed to translate them into a compelling political narrative, says an analyst.
Syaza Shukri.
Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said PH has struggled to show sceptical voters, particularly Malays, how its policies have benefited them.
“They have a lot to show, but unfortunately, the narrative that it is good for all Malaysians is not that effective for the Malays,” she told FMT.
She said this is compounded by the fact that Barisan Nasional (BN), PH’s partner in the unity government, is delivering a different message.
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