Friday, April 12, 2024

Can PERIKATAN NASIONAL (PN) Govern without Diversity? A Call for Inclusivity




Can PERIKATAN NASIONAL (PN) Govern without Diversity? A Call for Inclusivity

11 Apr 2024 • 5:30 PM MYT

Kpost
Operations consultant who pens the truth in fairness with understanding.




Pic: Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Kamal / Photo Credit: Kpost


Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (PBBM or BERSATU) Youth Wing Chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Kamal expressed concerns about Perikatan Nasional's (PN) ongoing struggle to garner support from non-Malay voters and dispel perceptions of racism and intolerance within the coalition.


PN, consisting of PAS and BERSATU, has faced challenges in appealing to non-Malay voters. One of the key challenges facing PN is the perceived inconsistency in its actions and statements, particularly within its component parties.


The inconsistency in PAS's actions and statements have contributed to this issue. Despite promoting 'PAS for All,' PAS leaders have engaged in extremist and hardline approaches, and divisive rhetoric targeting non-Malays, which undermines the coalition's inclusivity and creates a sense of distrust among minority communities.


For example, Hadi Awang has constantly targeted non-Malays, leading to court cases, and incited hatred against DAP to win Malay conservative votes.


Another example is when a PAS leader stopped GERAKAN President, Dominic Lau, from entering a campaign event during pre-election in Sungai Dua, Penang.


GERAKAN in Perikatan Nasional (PN) bears similar traits to MCA/MIC in UMNO. GERAKAN will stays irrelevant in PN as the Malay parties are perceived to be not respecting non-Malay parties.


Additionally, BERSATU's instability due to member defections, racial propaganda, corruption and leadership issues has further hindered PN's efforts to attract non-Malay support. The party has resorted to deceptive tactics to sway Malay voters, which has alienated non-Malays and raised concerns about their lack of representation in PN.


The absence of non-Malay representation within PN also raises fears of marginalization, potentially sidelining minority voices in decision-making processes. Therefore, PN must recognize the importance of inclusivity and diversity in Malaysian society to effectively govern and build a unified nation.


By promoting unity and multiculturalism, PN can broaden its appeal to all segments of society, including the non-Malay communities. This shift in approach is necessary for PN to shed its exclusive image and become a more inclusive and representative coalition.


To address these challenges, PN must actively seek credible and equal partners to represent non-Malay interests within the coalition. Treating parties like GERAKAN with dignity and respect as equal partners is essential for fostering a sense of trust and inclusivity.


Moreover, PN must demonstrate a genuine commitment to embracing multiculturalism and promoting unity and inclusivity across all segments of society so that it can build a stronger and more representative coalition that truly reflects the diversity of the Malaysian population.


The struggle faced by PN in gaining support from non-Malay communities highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to governance. By addressing internal issues, fostering partnerships with non-Malay parties, and promoting unity and diversity, PN can effectively overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more inclusive Malaysia for all its citizens.


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