PH also benefited indirectly from identity politics, says Ong Kian Ming
The former deputy minister says calls for non-Malay voters to unite carried the same connotation as BN and PN's Malay unity appeals.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) has also benefited indirectly from identity politics, Ong Kian Ming said.
Speaking on the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Ong said PH had previously urged non-Malay voters to unite, much like Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) urging Malays to back them.
"I listened to the press conference by Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and Khalid Samad (Amanah communications director), that they lost because of a racial narrative in the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign.
"To me, it works both ways because previously Pakatan Harapan may have benefited indirectly from calls saying non-Malay voters must unite so they can gain more power.
"But now, when there is a unification of Malay parties and Malay voters for BN and PN, that narrative has started to shift a little," he said (translated).
Co-host and former minister Khairy Jamaluddin agreed, saying PH had earlier used 'veiled references' to the 'green wave' as a signal for Chinese voters to unite behind the coalition.
"Of course, in both cases, no one openly says it is done at the expense of others. That is never said. And to be fair, PH never said so either. But the meaning is the same," he said.
Khairy also rejected claims that BN's campaign lacked policy substance, saying the speeches and programmes he attended touched on issues such as local authorities, assessment tax, job opportunities and foreign direct investment, although these drew less attention.
Another host, former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, said identity politics had long been part of Malaysia's political landscape and PH should not be surprised by it. If PH did not want to use identity politics, he said, its task was to offer a better narrative to convince Malays to vote on performance and delivery of reform promises.
Missed chance with local leaders
Ong also questioned why PH did not field local councillors and Malay village heads as candidates in the Negeri Sembilan polls. He cited PH's Perling candidate in Johor, B Pannir Selvam, who he said had built a strong record of working with the community, particularly Malays.
"So I think that is something a little strange to me after Pakatan Harapan has been the government for two terms," he said.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.