FMT:
Hasten reforms or lose Chinese support, DAP warned
3 hours ago
Minderjeet Kaur
However, analysts say, Chinese voters are more likely to skip the polls than support the rival camp
The Chinese have become disillusioned with the DAP and this may cost the party dearly in the next general election.
PETALING JAYA: DAP’s grip on urban and mixed seats is at risk of weakening amid growing disillusionment among the Chinese over the Pakatan Harapan-led government’s slow pace of reforms, say analysts.
But rather than shift their support to the opposite camp, they are more likely to sit out the next general election, political scientist Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University told FMT.
But rather than shift their support to the opposite camp, they are more likely to sit out the next general election, political scientist Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University told FMT.
Wong Chin Huat.
Wong pointed out that the Chinese community’s unhappiness with the DAP had been building up since 2023 despite relatively strong economic conditions.
“In the 2022 general election, many Chinese voters saw it as a choice between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN),” he said, adding that support for the DAP, a PH component, was strong then.
He said that apart from unfulfilled promises, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s pursuit of former economy minister Rafizi Ramli’s ex-aide James Chai could also trigger a backlash among those who view the graftbuster’s actions as heavy-handed.
However, Wong added that unless they see meaningful reforms, the Chinese are more likely to skip voting.
The next general election must be held no later than February 2028, while the Melaka and Johor state polls must take place by February and June 2027, respectively.
DAP will hold a special congress on July 12 to decide whether the party’s leaders should resign from their positions in the unity government while continuing to back Anwar Ibrahim’s administration in Parliament.
Economic stability and moderation
“In the 2022 general election, many Chinese voters saw it as a choice between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN),” he said, adding that support for the DAP, a PH component, was strong then.
He said that apart from unfulfilled promises, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s pursuit of former economy minister Rafizi Ramli’s ex-aide James Chai could also trigger a backlash among those who view the graftbuster’s actions as heavy-handed.
However, Wong added that unless they see meaningful reforms, the Chinese are more likely to skip voting.
The next general election must be held no later than February 2028, while the Melaka and Johor state polls must take place by February and June 2027, respectively.
DAP will hold a special congress on July 12 to decide whether the party’s leaders should resign from their positions in the unity government while continuing to back Anwar Ibrahim’s administration in Parliament.
Economic stability and moderation
Sivamurugan Pandian.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Sivamurugan Pandian said a drop in Chinese voter turnout would diminish support for the DAP, and this could lead to more intense contests in urban and semi-urban seats.
“DAP may still win in its strongholds, but the margins could be reduced, while results would tilt either way in mixed seats as Malay voters are expected to come out in full force,” he said.
Sivamurugan also expects opposition parties to adjust their messaging to broaden their appeal to Chinese voters.
However, he said, voting patterns since the 2018 general election show that Chinese voters tend to be more strategic in their choices rather than automatically supporting any party.
“Since 2018, they have supported parties seen as reformist, but that does not mean their backing is automatic. My reading is that Chinese voters are currently prioritising economic stability and moderation rather than ethnic-based politics.”
On March 7, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said voters, particularly those from the Chinese community, can no longer be regarded as guaranteed supporters of any political party.
Chong pointed to the Nov 29 Sabah state election, which saw DAP wiped out of the state assembly, saying it served as a clear warning that voters will punish those who fail to deliver on their promises.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Sivamurugan Pandian said a drop in Chinese voter turnout would diminish support for the DAP, and this could lead to more intense contests in urban and semi-urban seats.
“DAP may still win in its strongholds, but the margins could be reduced, while results would tilt either way in mixed seats as Malay voters are expected to come out in full force,” he said.
Sivamurugan also expects opposition parties to adjust their messaging to broaden their appeal to Chinese voters.
However, he said, voting patterns since the 2018 general election show that Chinese voters tend to be more strategic in their choices rather than automatically supporting any party.
“Since 2018, they have supported parties seen as reformist, but that does not mean their backing is automatic. My reading is that Chinese voters are currently prioritising economic stability and moderation rather than ethnic-based politics.”
On March 7, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said voters, particularly those from the Chinese community, can no longer be regarded as guaranteed supporters of any political party.
Chong pointed to the Nov 29 Sabah state election, which saw DAP wiped out of the state assembly, saying it served as a clear warning that voters will punish those who fail to deliver on their promises.
Oh Ei Sun.
Oh Ei Sun of the Pacific Research Center said DAP will need to work hard to retain its traditional voter base amid their disappointment over slow reforms and the lack of resolution to longstanding issues, such as recognition for the Unified Examination Certificate, or UEC.
“In particular, they have to convince their traditional supporters that they remain committed to the reform agenda and to ensuring more equal treatment for all Malaysians,” he added.
“In particular, they have to convince their traditional supporters that they remain committed to the reform agenda and to ensuring more equal treatment for all Malaysians,” he added.
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