Pakatan Harapan will convene a meeting on Aug 8 to review the factors behind its defeats in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections and formulate strategies ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16) and future state polls.
Penang Pakatan Harapan chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the meeting had been scheduled before the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections as part of the coalition’s preparations for the possibility of an early general election or state polls.
‘So far, we have not discussed the election results. Coincidentally, or otherwise, PH already had a meeting scheduled for Aug 8 before the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections.
‘It is part of our early preparations for the possibility of an early general or state election,’ he told reporters after attending the Penang Amanah Convention.
New strategy to be formulated
Chow said the coalition would examine the reasons behind its performance in Johor and Negeri Sembilan before drawing up new strategies for future elections.
He said the discussions would also focus on strengthening the coalition’s use of social media to better communicate its key messages to the public.
Commenting on the Negeri Sembilan election, Chow said the outcome had prompted important questions about the country’s political direction.
Focus remains on governance and investment
Chow said the Penang government would continue prioritising its performance, public service delivery and initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the people.
‘We want voters to judge us based on our achievements, how we help the people and create jobs.
‘Are these no longer important? We believe they still matter.
‘We will continue developing Penang while refining our strategy to retain the state’s mandate,’ he said.
Responding to a question on whether race-based politics could affect investor confidence, Chow said recent political developments had inevitably raised concerns about Malaysia’s future direction.
He said investors were seeking clarity on whether political stability would be maintained and whether Malaysia would continue to be an attractive destination for investment.
‘These are legitimate questions arising from recent political developments and the realignment of political forces in the country,’ he added.
