Expert: Polls defeat will force Anwar, Harapan back to drawing board

A defeat in the upcoming by-election would force Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his coalition to return to the drawing board instead of riding on the notion that non-Malays and liberal Malaysians have no other option, said an expert.

This notion, Wong Chin Huat said, had also contributed to the government's inaction or slow response to ethno-religious controversies like the one involving KK Mart.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the political scientist described the Kuala Kubu Baharu contest as tough for DAP and one that could translate into defeat if the turnout among Chinese and Indian voters is poor.

Asked if this would serve as a wake-up call, he replied: “Yes.”

Wong said a negative outcome would also force Pakatan Harapan to rethink its electoral planning for the next national polls.

“Some leaders in Harapan including those in DAP hope to seal the Madani government parties, Harapan components and Umno in particular, into a super-coalition like a new BN.

“A defeat in Kuala Kubu Baharu will kill this wishful thinking and bring all parties to reality.

“This may counter-intuitively improve the inter-ally relationship when the parties need to seriously think through the rules of engagement both as partners in the current government and rivals in elections later.

“Ambiguity sometimes contributes to hostility getting out of hand,” he added.

Kuala Kubu Baharu is a mixed constituency, with Malay voters accounting for 46 percent, Chinese voters 30 percent, Indian voters 18 percent, and others six percent.

Boycott call

Last week, Malaysiakini reported that certain quarters are urging Indians to boycott the May 11 election, claiming that the government has neglected the community.

However, Wong said a high-profile boycott campaign could help Harapan instead as it would alarm its supporters, who would then opt to avoid a defeat.

On that note, the political scientist believes that what is a major threat to DAP is the feeling among Harapan voters that the “fire in their bellies has burned out”.

“What could impact DAP's chances is not an active protest, but indifference and apathy (amongst voters),” he added.

Describing that as a “nightmare” for seasoned campaigners, Wong said the message would be clear if “voters nod at them politely but walk away or show no interest in what they say”.

“That would be seen as the real response of ordinary people, not sabotage by politicians or activists” he added.

Since becoming part of the coalition government, Harapan parties, especially DAP, have been accused of losing their voice, with some even comparing it to MCA, which was often seen as subservient to Umno when BN was in power.

However, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke stressed that the two parties cannot be compared.

Anwar, on the other hand, has been accused of failing to deliver on the reforms he had promised when Harapan was in power and of compromising on certain principles. - Mkini