PH's election loss not solely due to racial narratives, says ex-MP

Former Bangi Member of Parliament Dr. Ong Kian Ming has refuted claims that Pakatan Harapan's (PH) loss in the Negeri Sembilan state election was entirely caused by racial narratives pushed by the opposition. He believes this perspective is inaccurate.

Ong, who previously served as the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, stated that PH also benefited from narratives that encouraged non-Malay voters to unite, thereby increasing the coalition's political influence. He emphasized the need for a balanced view, noting that identity politics has long been a significant factor in Malaysia's political landscape.

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It works both ways. In the past, PH might have also indirectly benefited from calls for non-Malay voters to unite to gain greater political power.

"It works both ways. In the past, PH might have also indirectly benefited from calls for non-Malay voters to unite to gain greater political power," Ong explained during a podcast. This comes after Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Amanah Communications Director Khalid Samad suggested that racial campaigns by opponents led to PH's defeat in the Negeri Sembilan election.

Meanwhile, former UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin commented that PH had previously used the 'green wave' reference as an implicit message to attract Chinese voters. He noted similarities between this and the current messages from BN and PN, which emphasize Malay unity to protect Malay interests. "In both situations, no one openly stated it was done at the expense of others. That was never mentioned. PH never said that either. However, the implicit message carried is the same," he said.

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In both situations, no one openly stated it was done at the expense of others. That was never mentioned. PH never said that either. However, the implicit message carried is the same.