PH P Pinang tak boleh terlalu selesa dengan rekod prestasi

Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the Malaysian state of Pulau Pinang must not become too complacent with its impressive record of governance, says its chairman, Chow Kon Yeow. While government performance is important, Chow stressed that perceptions and sentiment among the public often have a greater influence on voters. "We have a commendable record of governance, which we have proven by being stable, honest, stimulating the economy, attracting investment, creating jobs, and implementing policies beneficial to the people," he said during a PH state-level leadership meeting.

However, Chow warned that if this success is not properly celebrated, it will not translate into votes in the future. PH Pulau Pinang needs to master the public narrative, starting with acknowledging its own weaknesses. "Much of our success is drowned because we were slow to explain and less aggressive in spreading information, instead allowing our complacency to dominate the narrative," he added.

Chow emphasized that PH must dominate the digital space more effectively by seizing the narrative from communalism and divisive politics using facts. Furthermore, the alliance must better understand the concerns of young voters, who are now a crucial demographic. PH has been governing Pulau Pinang since 2008, when it was known as Pakatan Rakyat.

The coalition has now been governing the state for four terms, this time in cooperation with the Barisan Nasional (BN).