Penang PH can’t be comfortable with good track record, says Chow

 Penang PH chief says public perceptions and sentiments spread faster than facts in today's political environment.

Penang PH chief Chow Kon Yeow said the coalition needs to dominate public narratives, and this starts with acknowledging its own shortcomings. (JohnShen Lee pic)

GEORGE TOWN:

Penang Pakatan Harapan cannot afford to be too comfortable with its good track record in governing Penang as public perceptions and sentiments often hold more sway over voters, says its chairman Chow Kon Yeow.

While a government’s performance is important, the chief minister said perceptions and sentiments spread faster than facts in today’s political environment.

“We have an administrative record that can be defended, where we have proven that PH can govern stably and with integrity, spurring economic growth, attracting investments, creating jobs and implementing policies that benefit the rakyat.

“But if (our) successes are not properly made known to the public, they will not be translated into votes later,” he said at a press conference here following a Penang PH leadership meeting today.

Chow also said Penang PH needs to dominate public narratives, adding that this starts with acknowledging its own shortcomings.

“Too many of our accomplishments have been drowned out because we are late in providing explanations and less aggressive in disseminating information, allowing our rivals to dictate the discourse.”

He said PH needs to dominate the digital space more effectively by countering racial narratives and hateful politics with facts. He also said the coalition must better understand young voters, who have become increasingly significant.

PH has governed Penang since 2008, back when it was known as Pakatan Rakyat. The coalition is currently in its fourth term in the state government, this time under a pact with Barisan Nasional. - FMT