IT’S common to assume that Perikatan Nasional (PN) might be behind the poison pen letters urging Chinese voters to reject UMNO candidate Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah in the Mahkota by-election slated for this weekend (Sept 28).
While PN cannot be ruled out, it’s unlikely the opposition coalition would benefit from this tactic as Chinese voters are not expected to support PN.
Instead, these poison letters may have originated from segments of traditional DAP supporters who oppose voting for an UMNO candidate.
Historically, Chinese voters have been mobilised to vote against Barisan Nasional (BN) or UMNO, seeing them as DAP’s traditional adversaries.
Many within this community are confused or frustrated by being asked to support UMNO, as the enmity between the two parties is well-established.
DAP cannot simply re-define its allies and enemies overnight, especially when recent remarks from UMNO leaders have alienated many Chinese voters. UMNO has, at times, made the Chinese community a scapegoat, further complicating this alliance.
It is therefore possible that the poison pen letters stem from dissatisfaction within DAP itself, particularly among local factions in Johor.
These groups may be unhappy with DAP’s partnership with UMNO and are seeking to exert pressure, possibly to push for a unity government in Johor or to voice opposition to this alliance.
While the DAP leadership may not be directly involved, disgruntled local grassroots members could be behind the toxic letters.
For many Chinese voters in Mahkota, voting for UMNO may seem pointless given the party’s role in marginalising non-Malays.
This sentiment is likely stronger among Indian voters who make up 8% of the electorate. The demoralisation of MIC within BN has left little reason for the Indian community to back UMNO with groups like Urimai may encourage Indians to reject the party entirely.
In summary, while the origins of the poison pen letters remain uncertain, it’s plausible they are driven by disillusionment within the Chinese community, particularly among those unhappy with DAP’s evolving relationship with UMNO. – Sept 23, 2024
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: DAP Johor/Facebook
