First and foremost, congratulations to the newly elected government. In a democracy, the people’s decision must always be respected. But I cannot help but wonder about one key point through it all: Identity Politics.
These elections remind us that electoral success is not determined solely by economic performance or administrative achievements. The results suggest that the politics of identity remains a powerful force, sometimes outweighing a government’s record in delivering prosperity and good governance.
History has shown that when people believe their identity, whether based on race, religion, language, or culture, is under threat, they tend to unite in its defence. This is not unique to Malaysia; it is a political phenomenon seen across many countries. Fear often mobilises voters more effectively than facts or economic indicators.
The Legacy of Racial Narratives and Public Skepticism
For more than six decades, Malaysians have lived within a political environment largely shaped by racial narratives. Political parties often positioned themselves as protectors of their respective communities. Over time, however, many Malaysians have begun asking important questions. Why should discrimination continue when we all proudly call ourselves Malaysians? Why have some political parties accumulated vast wealth and assets over the years when their primary mission should have been to empower the people rather than strengthen the financial position of the parties themselves?
Perception versus Reality in Current Governance
When we objectively examine today’s political landscape, many of the fears promoted during election campaigns do not correspond with reality.
Under the current Pakatan Harapan-led Federal Government, there are more Malay representatives than ever before. The Prime Minister has consistently positioned himself as a firm defender of Islam, while earning recognition internationally as a respected statesman. Numerous initiatives have been introduced to preserve
the constitutional position of Islam, protect the special position of the Malays and Bumiputera, and strengthen Malay economic participation.
This raises an important question. If these constitutional guarantees remain intact, why does the narrative persist that they are under threat?
The answer frequently points towards one political party which is DAP. Yet many leaders within UMNO themselves have, on numerous occasions, publicly acknowledged that DAP has never opposed constitutional provisions relating to Islam, the Malay Rulers, the Malay language, or the special position of the Malays. Similarly, the experience of governing states such as Selangor and Penang for almost two decades demonstrates that Islam continues to flourish, religious institutions continue to receive support, and constitutional principles remain fully respected.
The Cost of Miscommunication and Political Fearmongering
This does not mean that Pakatan Harapan is beyond criticism. Far from it.
PH must honestly acknowledge that it has sometimes been too slow in responding to misinformation and identity-based narratives. In pursuing political stability and economic recovery, it may have underestimated the need to consistently communicate its policies and defend itself against false perceptions. Good governance alone is not sufficient if people do not understand or believe what the government is doing.
Politics is ultimately about trust, and trust requires continuous engagement.
Many people often say that politicians are responsible for creating division. Previously, I found such statements unfair. Today, I reluctantly admit there is some truth in them. There are politicians who knowingly exploit fear, prejudice, and misinformation simply because these are effective electoral tools. They understand that such narratives may weaken national unity, slow social progress, and create unnecessary distrust among Malaysians, yet they continue because they deliver political dividends.
This is perhaps the greatest challenge facing our nation—not economic competition, but the normalisation of fear as a political strategy.
A Strategic Roadmap for Reform and Communication
The election results should not be viewed merely as a defeat but as valuable feedback from the electorate.
First, PH must communicate more effectively. Achievements cannot remain government reports or statistics. They must become stories that ordinary Malaysians can understand and relate to. Policies that improve livelihoods must be explained consistently, especially in communities that are most vulnerable to misinformation.
Second, PH must continue engaging directly with Malay communities—not defensively, but confidently. It should continue demonstrating through policies and actions that protecting the constitutional position of Islam,
safeguarding the special position of the Malays and Bumiputera, and building a fair Malaysia for all are not contradictory objectives. They are complementary pillars of our Federal Constitution.
Third, PH must never abandon its commitment to multiracial politics. Doing so would only reinforce the very narratives it seeks to overcome. Instead, it should present a stronger vision of a Malaysia where constitutional guarantees are respected while every citizen is treated with dignity, fairness, and equal opportunity.
Upholding Institutional Integrity, Justice, and Public Trust
Most importantly, PH must not slow down its institutional reform agenda. The fight against corruption, abuse of power, and political patronage was one of the principal reasons Malaysians demanded change in 2018. These reforms cannot be compromised for short-term political convenience. An independent judiciary, a professional civil service, stronger enforcement institutions, transparent public procurement, and parliamentary accountability remain essential if public confidence is to be restored.
The government must also demonstrate that no individual is above the law. Allegations involving corporate fraud, abuse of public funds, and what many Malaysians describe as “corporate mafia” activities should be investigated thoroughly and impartially by the relevant enforcement agencies. The public expects justice to be administered without fear or favour, regardless of status or political affiliation.
Similarly, institutions that are closely connected to the interests of ordinary Malaysians—such as Tabung Haji—must continue to be managed with the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and good governance. Public confidence in these institutions is not built through rhetoric but through consistent accountability and responsible stewardship.
At the same time, PH must recognise that public perception of equal justice is just as important as justice itself. High-profile legal developments, including cases involving prominent political figures, inevitably shape public confidence in the rule of law. Decisions such as the granting of a Discharge Not Amounting to an Acquittal (DNAA) in cases involving numerous criminal charges have generated significant public debate. While the courts and prosecution authorities must remain independent and free from political interference, the government should continue strengthening institutional independence, prosecutorial transparency, and public communication so that confidence in the administration of justice is preserved.
Rebuilding from the Grassroots
Finally, PH must rebuild its grassroots machinery. Elections are not won during the campaign period alone. They are won through years of service, listening to people’s concerns, correcting misinformation, nurturing future leaders, and earning trust through consistent action.
The Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections should not be remembered merely for who won or who lost. They should be remembered as a reminder that achievements alone are insufficient when fear shapes public perception.
Malaysia deserves a politics that inspires hope rather than anxiety, unity rather than division, and confidence rather than suspicion. If Pakatan Harapan is to regain the confidence of more Malaysians, it must remain steadfast in its principles, continue delivering meaningful reforms, communicate more effectively, and never lose sight of the ideals of justice, accountability, and good governance that first inspired millions of Malaysians to believe that a better future was possible.