A PKR Member of Parliament has called on Pakatan Harapan to bolster support among its core voter base to enhance its position in negotiations regarding cooperation for the next general election.
Tebrau Member of Parliament Jimmy Puah stated that the coalition should make the urban electorate and M40 voters its top priority. He warned that without a solid voter core, the coalition would face difficulties in winning over fence-sitters and those outside its traditional support base.
According to the Tebrau representative, the coalition needs to convince its core voters that it has delivered on its reform promises. He noted that certain segments, particularly the M40 group and urban residents, have shown signs of swinging, and must be convinced of the coalition’s reformist identity regardless of race.
The Johor PKR vice-chief added that the coalition must possess sufficient bargaining power before engaging with other parties. He emphasized that being strong internally is a prerequisite for deciding on potential government partners.
Simplifying communication for the rakyat
To reach the public effectively, the lawmaker suggested that party messages be delivered in simple, relatable language. He noted that technical jargon and complex statistics often confuse the people, as many do not immediately see how specific national issues affect their daily lives.
He shared an example from the Chinese New Year period, noting that while many did not grasp the technicalities of a strengthening ringgit, they understood the impact when it was explained that the price of mandarin oranges had decreased as a result.
The emphasis on clear communication is seen as a vital step in reconnecting with voters who may feel disconnected from the administration’s high-level economic reports.
Addressing trust and pluralism
Political scientist Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University agreed that the coalition should consolidate its urban and middle-class support before attempting to expand its reach. He pointed out that many constituencies were won with less than 50 percent of the vote, meaning low turnout could significantly reduce the coalition’s seat count.
The analyst warned that the coalition cannot rely solely on economic performance to keep its traditional base of minorities and liberals. He observed that these supporters are closely watching how the administration manages the country’s racial and religious balance.
He noted that trust issues regarding ethnoreligious tensions could alienate traditional supporters. In his view, where the principle of religious inclusion is tested, the leadership must defend pluralism directly rather than fluctuating between different political interests.
Ensuring a clear and consistent stance on these issues is considered crucial for maintaining the loyalty of the coalition’s original supporters as the country moves closer to the next national polls.
