Can the Pakatan-BN govt woo Perikatan voters?

Difficult but not impossible, say analysts

December 2, 2022

Can the Pakatan-BN govt woo Perikatan voters? Difficult but not impossible, say analysts

Can the Pakatan-BN govt woo Perikatan voters? Difficult but not impossible, say analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 — The Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalitions that make up most of the government have a great opportunity to persuade Perikatan Nasional voters to switch camps, said analysts.

Geostrategist and senior fellow of the Nusantara Strategic Research Academy, Prof Azmi Hassan, for example, feels that should the new federal government demonstrate that it can administer the country more efficiently than its predecessors, it might be able to attract those who voted for PN during the 15th general election (GE15).

“I guess the ball is at BN and PH’s feet to concentrate on governing the nation, and in a way that will attract voters who voted for PN in bulk and droves during GE15,” he said to Malay Mail.

The coalitions can do this by proving that they have MPs who are more intelligent, and who can deliver if appointed to the Cabinet, he added.

As for associate professor at IKMAS, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Helen Ting, the best thing all parties can do now post-GE15 is to stop criticising each other and move on.

“The electoral outcomes reveal the deep geographically-based divides in Malaysian society, and it is important to take steps to heal this divide even if this takes time,” she told Malay Mail.

She attributed the rise of PN to the failure of Umno and BN to rebuild themselves, saying that Malay voters were drawn to PN due to its inclusion of PAS, the perceived corruption within Umno, and the failure of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to impress them.

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“It is imperative to educate voters on the need for peaceful coexistence, respect for the fundamental rights of all, and to affirm these values through inclusive policies and official narratives.

“Ultimately, it’s good governance and effective resolution of bread-and-butter policies which could persuade these voters to switch camps,” she said, before cautioning that it will take time to change political dispositions and such an endeavour would be difficult.

Despite the differences between voters of both camps, she believes that it is possible for them to find common ground.

On the other hand, UKM National Institute of Ethnic Studies deputy director professor Kartini Aboo Talib cautions against viewing PN voters as homogenous.

“They are already heterogeneous with various ethnic and social classes, orientations, and socialisation; therefore, division among voters is expected,” she said.

She said the new government must ensure that it remains friendly towards Muslim-Malay interests if it wishes to woo PN voters.

“PH-BN needs to empower the Ministry of National Unity and provide a comprehensive programme to understand identity, history, and appreciate aspects of the homeland in Malaysia,” she said of efforts that could sway PN voters towards the current government.

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But a major issue lies in BN’s tarnished image and its presence in the unity government, she added.

“They (PN voters) voted for PN to teach BN a lesson, yet they are frustrated to see the current development where BN is now with PH under the unity government.

“Where is the integrity in this circumstance?” she said.

Ultimately, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must deliver on his promises and manifesto, she added.

“Every Malaysian wants a stable and progressive country.

“Everyone wants a better life and living conditions,” she said.