INTERVIEW | DAP is in a conundrum. Its attempt to win over Malay voters and shed its Chinese-centric image has irked certain quarters.
For example, vocal central committee member Ronnie Liu had cautioned the party not to belittle or degrade itself in the process.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, DAP's political education director Liew Chin Tong criticised those who fanned such racial sentiments and urged all leaders to close ranks.
Without mentioning names, Liew said: “Some are inciting racial anxiety and conflicts.”
According to him, this is the reason behind party veteran Lim Kit Siang's statement that he is prepared to be defeated in the upcoming DAP polls for a central executive committee (CEC) post.
The CEC election is expected to be held on June 20. In the previous polls, Lim won his seat with the highest number of votes.
Liew emphasised the need for DAP to be clear on its future plan for the next decade and for leaders to be united amid the racial instigation.
The Johor DAP chief also pointed out that such sentiments had led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government after just 22 months in power.
“We must be clear about how the Harapan (government) collapsed. It was because there are people who incite racial sentiments and racial conflicts,” he added.
Reiterating the importance of standing together, Liew said: “I hope our members can discuss how we should continue our journey in the next general election and the next 10 years. Then we can have a consensus.”
“We understand there are many trying to fan (racial) sentiments, but we hope we can bring back everyone in this party election.
“If the party can reach a consensus and move forward, I believe we will be the most stable party amid this political turmoil,” he added.
Kit Siang should contest in next GE
Liew, who sang praises of Lim's contribution over the decades, opined that the 80-year-old politician should contest in the next general election.
“If the GE is held now, he should contest. The next GE is important and he should contest because of the fluidity of the situation.
“It will be good for DAP to have Kit Siang and (Lim) Guan Eng's generations, the third and fourth generations of leaders to present a united front, but also to expand the party whenever possible. So that we can be well-positioned in the next 10 years,” he explained.
If the political situation continues to be mired in confusion, Liew believes that Lim, who is the Iskandar Puteri MP, should contest even if Parliament is dissolved after its full term.
“If the situation is still confusing, then I think his wisdom and leadership will be needed...
“At this moment, we are at a crossroads. The nation is at a crossroads on whether we can move to the next level or will be stuck forever.
“That debate requires leadership. It is not about positions but more of leadership, how to lead the public to see that Malaysia can be a democracy without race relations being a zero-sum game.
“He is the best ideological and intellectual leader in terms of pushing those ideas,” added the former deputy minister, who recently penned a book titled “Lim Kit Siang: Patriot. Leader. Fighter.”
Harapan should aim to win next GE
As for Harapan, Liew said it should aim to win the next general election by moulding itself as a “ruling coalition to be” and remain cordial with other opposition parties.
“My point is opposition parties should be friendly to one another, even if we do not fully work together. At least, we do not have to be aggressive towards one another.
“There should be a non-aggression understanding so that we do not attack one another and focus on how to defeat (Prime Minister) Muhyiddin Yassin and build a better ruling coalition,” he added.
Based on past experience, Liew pointed out that Harapan must be clear on its election formula by building a winning coalition, not just among parties but also with the voters.
“Harapan should be the natural political home for Malay women, Malay youths, Sabahans and Sarawakians and non-Malays who aspire to have a better Malaysia.
“If we can find a winning coalition among voters, then we will know how to take the country to the next level.
“Once we build a winning coalition among voters, and they consider us their natural political home and we reject conservatism that is against women, youths and non-Malays, then we know where we are,” he added.
Should Harapan work with Dr M and Umno?
Asked if Harapan should continue working with former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his new outfit Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), Liew reiterated that it is important for opposition parties to have a good relationship.
“As long as he is not the prime minister candidate and just an opposition leader, we should engage with all opposition leaders to see if we can work together. If we cannot work together, so be it.
“But the point is, Mahathir is no longer our prime minister candidate, therefore he is just one of many players. We don't have to make an enemy out of him. Our main enemy is Muhyiddin,” he added.
As for Umno, Liew said there is no need for Harapan to negotiate with its arch-nemesis before the next election, since Harapan leader and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim have decided to move forward.
“I think the matter was put to rest when he (Anwar) said he is not gunning for numbers and is preparing for the next GE. We must prepare to win and prepare to govern together,” he added.
He noted that Umno would not be the largest bloc in the next election and Harapan must be confident of its winning formula.
“There is no need to form an election pact with Umno. Umno is not going to be the largest bloc. We should be confident of our own formula. We must aim to win.
“Harapan must aim to win as the largest bloc in a three-cornered situation before talking about anything else. The point is, why should we talk to Umno? We should strengthen ourselves.
“Instead of negotiating with Umno now, given that Umno is split, let us fight it out in the GE and see what happens (after the GE).
“We should believe that Malaysian voters are preparing for a Harapan government, multi-ethnic Malaysia and we should test the idea,” Liew added. - Mkini
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