PH's popularity will likely nosedive in GE15

SHAH ALAM - A study by a Chinese think-tank projects that Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) immense popularity among Malaysian Chinese will likely sink in the coming 15th General Election (GE15) this November 19.

Huayan Policy Institute and the Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies reported that the coalition’s support from the ethnic group will nosedive from 95 per cent in GE14 to a whopping 69 per cent in GE15.

However, the study -- centering on contemporary Chinese political sentiment towards GE15 -- noted that PH, particularly DAP, was still the preferred choice among Chinese voters.

“PH needs to avoid a three-cornered fight with Muda and Warisan. Chinese voters also urged collaboration between more opposition parties in GE15,” read the report which surveyed 293 respondents in three parliamentary constituencies with high presence of Chinese voters.

These seats are Bukit Gelugor (Penang); Sungai Besar (Selangor) and Ayer Hitam (Johor).

Interestingly, MCA -- which was essentially fallen out of favour among the Chinese since their dismal electoral performance from GE12 to GE14 -- has become slightly less unpopular in recent times.

“The support of Chinese voters to BN (especially MCA) is still low but the good news is that it is 10 per cent higher from the previous election. This will provide better election results for BN in most of the marginal seats,” read the report.

With that being said, the Chinese were almost equally divided on whether existing Chinese-based parties such as MCA, DAP and Gerakan will be able to play an important role in the new government post GE15.

“23.8 per cent of Chinese respondents believed these parties are still able to play an important role in the post-GE15 government but 23 per cent also contended otherwise,” stated the report.

Surprisingly, BN is apparently not the most unpopular political coalition among the Chinese despite Caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has a generally low rating among said ethnic minority.

“Perikatan Nasional (PN) and its component parties or leaders are most disliked by the Chinese voters.

“The majority of Chinese respondents also rated PN [as one the component parties in the incumbent government] that has the poorest performance,” read the report.

The sentiment survey report was published on October 15 and prepared by Taylor’s University Associate Professor Dr. Chang Yun Fah and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Associate Professor Dr. Chin Yee Mun and lecturer Phua Yeong Nan.