A POLITICAL analyst has suggested that the Malay party in the unity government needs to be more dominant in safeguarding the race’s interests so that Malays are not frightened of DAP.
In an Utusan Malaysia report, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the Malays’ wariness of DAP does not come as much of a surprise as the stigma has long been embedded into the race’s mindsets.
Further aggravating the matter is the fact that despite DAP claiming to be a multi-racial party, it is not a secret that only one race dominates the party, he added.
In fact, the Malays’ wariness was further heightened as a result of DAP’s strong influence in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and the unity government.
“Let me give you a simple example. The reason why Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters were not concerned about MCA and MIC is because UMNO is the dominant party in the coalition.
“Therefore, there were no problems controlling MCA and MIC nor were there any problems for UMNO to safeguard the interests of the Malay-Muslim community,” he told the news portal.
“Similarly, why do PAS and Bersatu supporters not worry about Gerakan when Gerakan is more or less the same as DAP? It is because Gerakan is weak while PAS and Bersatu are more dominant.”
Azmi noted that the Malays’ wariness of DAP can more or less be dispelled if UMNO’s presence and influence in the government is strong.
However, this is not the case as UMNO’s current weakness would make it difficult for the party to match the strength of DAP, PKR or even Amanah, he added.
Yesterday (July 4), caretaker Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun had reassured the Malays that they need not fear DAP because the party has an excellent track record in the state during the PH administration.
Aminuddin said the apprehension that has arisen in recent days is simply a narrative played up by the opposition to attract Malay voters especially with the forthcoming state elections.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) political analyst Dr Mazlan Ali argued that DAP should not be viewed as overly harsh in fighting for issues linked to Islamic sensitivity, and that DAP ought to prove that they are more reasonable when they are fighting for a non-Islamic agenda.
“DAP needs to proof that there will no more issues about them disputing Islam and just feign ignorance in the face of any Islam-related issues like how MCA does not interfere much in such matters,” he remarked.
“For instance, DAP had previously intervened for the sake of defending a non-Muslim…I’m not saying they cannot do it but don’t make it too obvious.
“DAP has recently made it clear that the party supports Islam as the official religion of the nation and they are seen to be moderate; however, it is only the opposition that calls DAP an extremist party.” – July 5, 2023
Main pic credit :AP Images
