PH should counter identity politics through Malay outreach, says DAP rep

Kota Kemuning assemblyman S Preakas has called on Pakatan Harapan (PH) to engage directly with the Malay community following the Negeri Sembilan election where the coalition reportedly lost due to exploitation of identity politics by its rivals. In his statement, Preakas urged PH to demonstrate through policies and actions that protecting Islam's constitutional position, safeguarding the special position of Malays and Bumiputera, and building a fair Malaysia are not contradictory objectives.

He emphasized that these are complementary pillars of the Federal Constitution and that claims of their threat persist, often attributing them to DAP. Despite these claims, Umno leaders acknowledged that DAP never opposed these provisions, and PH-governed states like Selangor and Penang have upheld and supported them. Preakas noted that PH must acknowledge its past slowness in responding to misinformation and identity-based narratives, suggesting that good governance is insufficient without continuous communication and understanding among the people.

He reluctantly admitted that some politicians knowingly exploit fear, prejudice, and misinformation for electoral gains, which weakens national unity and social progress. Preakas stressed that PH must communicate more effectively, particularly in communities vulnerable to misinformation, and should never abandon its commitment to multiracial politics as it would only reinforce the narratives it aims to overcome.