Govt's weak communication a factor in Sg Bakap loss: Amanah Youth

 

The coalition government’s weak communication strategy is among the main contributing factors to its loss in the recently concluded Sungai Bakap by-election, said Penang Amanah Youth.

Its chief Muhamad Khairul Mohd Ali urged the coalition government parties’ youth wings to take collective responsibility for failing to attract youngsters to their side.

“As the ruling government, the failure to secure the youth vote is getting more chronic.

“The weak communication factor is among the main reasons young voters do not get the information they are supposed to.

“Another factor that needs to be looked into is the involvement of young leaders in the unity government with the youth,” Khairul said in a statement today.

Perikatan Nasional retained the Sungai Bakap state seat with an increased majority and vote share last Saturday, as lower turnout hit Pakatan Harapan hard.

While about 4,500 fewer voters went to the ballot box this time around compared to the state election last year, PN’s total votes only decreased by 944.

Harapan on the other hand, had 3,648 fewer votes.

Restructuring needed

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli on July 6 said an early analysis showed Malay voter turnout was 70 percent, while only 47 percent Chinese and 58 percent Indian voters cast their ballots.

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli

Elaborating, Khairul said the coalition government seems unbothered with the youth’s aspirations in the country’s economy and job market, as most of the aids and schemes on the matters have gone unpublicised.

“A restructuring of the unity (government’s) youth (wings) should be conducted immediately to ensure youngsters are drawn back toward the unity government.”

He predicted that voters shunning the by-election, especially the Chinese, could be due to their disappointment over various issues plaguing the country.

Moving forward, Khairul said the government should focus on lowering the temperature of racial politics and getting aggressive in attracting the youth with thorough and detailed explanations of the government’s initiatives for the group.

Strengthen collaboration

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said collaboration between Harapan and BN should be strengthened further to face future elections, especially the 16th general election.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu

In a statement, Mohamad said his party humbly accepted the Sungai Bakap voters’ decision at the ballot box and stressed his party would continuously work toward strengthening the rakyat’s support for the government.

After Sungai Bakap, the coalition government faces yet another by-election, this time for the Nenggiri state seat in PAS-held Kelantan.

The Election Commission has set Aug 17 for polling. - Mkini