PH must face political realities, acknowledge shortcomings, say analysts

Analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri contends that Pakatan Harapan (PH) must confront the political realities and recognize its shortcomings following their electoral loss in Negeri Sembilan. Zaharuddin asserts that PH has a habit of not examining itself following defeats, which has rendered explanations for past losses "lacking credibility."

He emphasizes that identity politics is not a novel issue but a longstanding aspect of Malaysia's political scene. Zaharuddin warns that if PH does not adapt its strategy to this environment despite having been in power for years, the blame should not be placed on voters but on the coalition leaders' inability to comprehend the political landscape.

Pakatan Harapan's election director, Amirudin Shari, points to a surge of racial rhetoric preceding the elections, which has caused unease among Malays and non-Malays. However, Zaharuddin contends that PH seems to be operating within a self-created bubble, believing it can dictate narratives and secure voter support through social media.

He asserts that elections are determined by factors such as living costs, job opportunities, economic stability, and the government's capacity to address daily issues, not by social media campaigns. Zaharuddin suggests PH is at a critical juncture: it can either continue seeking scapegoats for each election loss or adopt a more challenging yet honest approach.

He emphasizes that while politics does not punish parties for losses, it does punish those who fail to learn from defeats.

Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia agrees that PH needs to acknowledge its shortcomings, particularly in countering racial narratives employed by the Barisan Nasional (BN)-Perikatan Nasional alliance. Despite the coalition's eight-year tenure in administering Negeri Sembilan, Syaza notes that PH's machinery has not kept pace with that of BN.

She agrees that PH must listen to its grassroots again, as there is a "gap between the parties and supporters." Syaza points out that supporters desire the continuation of reform agendas but feel their aspirations are not being adequately addressed. She also criticizes PH's campaign strategy, which heavily emphasized the state government's achievements, claiming the public did not feel the benefits of these initiatives.