SHAH ALAM, Aug 1 — Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) has blamed identity and race-based politics for its defeat in the Negeri Sembilan state election today.
Its election director Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the coalition was disappointed that racial politics continued to influence voters, preventing value-based politics from gaining traction throughout the campaign period.
“Identity politics has taken hold among the majority of Malays, and the counter-effect is that racial campaigns continue to be promoted, with elements that divide the state and the country,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia today.
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar, said such politics could create unease and suspicion between Malays and non-Malays.
He also lamented that critical issues affecting the public, including the rising cost of living, were not given sufficient attention by opposing parties.
“We are worried that social issues have become campaign material, while value-based politics has failed to be elevated and upheld as it should,” he said at a press conference in Seremban tonight.
Amirudin said Harapan’s defeat was not significant, with the margin of defeat in several seats ranging between 700 and 1,000 votes, including the Linggi state constituency contested by Negeri Sembilan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Based on unofficial results, Harapan won only 11 of the 36 seats it contested, while Barisan Nasional (BN) won 18 and Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured seven.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Harapan said the state election saw an extraordinary level of identity-based racial campaigning, which could sow elements of division within society and the state.
“Harapan believes that efforts to develop Negeri Sembilan and Malaysia should prioritise fundamental issues such as the local economy, employment opportunities for the younger generation, children’s education, cost of living and welfare, rather than politics that instils fear among the people.
“Harapan maintains that value- and principle-based politics that uphold the dignity of the people must be prioritised in building the state and the nation,” it said.
The coalition said that while awaiting official results, all 36 Harapan candidates would visit residents in their respective areas tomorrow morning as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude for their support and trust.
“Starting Monday, Harapan candidates elected by the people of Negeri Sembilan will complete their respective teams to ensure that service to the people in their constituencies remains the priority.”
The statement was jointly signed by Amirudin, Aminuddin, Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan, and Parti Amanah Negara leaders Khalid Abdul Samad and Faiz Fadzil.
