Anwar's dilemma is regaining Malays' support - KJ

SHAH ALAM - The results of the recent state elections last Saturday have presented a significant dilemma for Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in regaining Malay support.

A Senior Fellow and Visitor at the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said that initial analysis indicates that a significant portion of the 'gains' for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition came from Malay voters.

He noted that these voters, who previously supported Umno, have shifted their support to the opposition coalition.

"The first dilemma is ideological. Will he remain loyal to his progressive and reformist platform, or will he continue to reject PN by introducing more conservative policies?

"His base has reacted to the election results by urging Anwar to stop favouring 'Malay rights' and instead focus on economic development, introducing reforms, and advocating for cultural diversity.

"However, with the strong 'warning' from Malay voters once again, Anwar might be tempted to play it in two ways: continuing with ethnocentric plans and programmes while simultaneously hoping for an improved economy for ordinary Malaysians," he said in the Singapore-based portal Fulcrum.

The former Umno Youth chief added that Anwar's second dilemma is political, as his coalition partner, Umno, which was hoped to oppose PN, has suffered a severe defeat.

Out of the 108 seats contested by Umno, the party only won 19 with a success rate of 17.5 per cent, which is the worst in this state's elections.

"If Umno fails to undergo reforms, including potentially removing its highly unpopular president, Anwar will face a crucial strategic decision.

"He can stick to the current path and head into the upcoming general elections by cooperating with Umno, possibly considering recommending a Royal Pardon for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who has retained significant support within the party.

"As an alternative, Anwar could part ways with Umno and take a different route.

"He could strive for Malay votes by enhancing the appeal of the People's Justice Party to a certain demographic segment or relying more on the coalition partner Parti Amanah Negara, which achieved a surprising victory in one seat in Kelantan," he explained.

Khairy noted that Anwar's final option is to contact the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, a key party in PN.

He mentioned that while this option might not be currently feasible, unusual things have occurred in Malaysian politics before, just as PH once formed a partnership with Umno.

All of these dilemmas, Khairy emphasised, will undoubtedly burden Anwar, who is also the Prime Minister, and his government in the coming years.