Race politics losing appeal ahead of GE16, say analysts

PETALING JAYA: Race-based political narratives are losing their appeal ahead of the next general election (GE16), analysts say, as voters increasingly judge leaders by their performance and their parties’ ability to address bread-and-butter issues.

Tawfik Yaakub and Mazlan Ali said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s call for Malay voters to support Malay candidates regardless of party affiliation was unlikely to significantly alter voting patterns.

Tawfik, of Universiti Malaya, said Malay voters had become more politically mature and were no longer easily swayed by narratives that could divide society.

“Malays today have little appetite for race-based politics that seeks to incite division, because everyone is affected by more pressing issues such as the cost of living, rising prices, and job opportunities.

“I believe Malay voters will prioritise parties and leaders with strong track records when casting their ballots in the next general election,” he told FMT.

Mahathir had urged Malay voters to prioritise Malay candidates in upcoming elections, regardless of which political party they represent.

He also hinted about a Malay candidate, whose identify he would reveal during the next general election.

Tawfik said Mahathir’s remark on the Malay candidate suggested he was positioning his son, Mukhriz, the Pejuang president, for a bigger political role ahead of GE16.

“I believe he is grooming Mukhriz to become that ‘Malay candidate’. That is why Pejuang has joined PN, as a shortcut for Mukhriz to climb the political ladder,” he said.

While Tawfik does not expect Mukhriz to become prime minister in the near future, he did not rule out the possibility of the Pejuang president emerging as a kingmaker if PN performs strongly in GE16.

Mazlan said race remained a factor in Malaysian politics but was no longer the dominant consideration in voters’ choices, especially in urban and mixed constituencies.

He said Mahathir’s appeal might influence only a small segment of the electorate, particularly in Malay-majority constituencies, as most Malaysians had become more accepting of the country’s ethnic diversity and multicultural society.

“Most Malaysians today accept other races and live together harmoniously. Ethnic diversity is no longer seen as a problem, but as a strength,” the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia academic said.