Win Malays Through The Economy Not Pandering Charles Tells Harapan

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 Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has cautioned Pakatan Harapan against pandering to the right-wing following the conclusion of the six state elections.
Instead, he said they should focus on improving the livelihoods of the Malays to win them over.
"We need to focus on the economy, creating jobs and business opportunities, bringing down prices, institutionalised support for single mothers to bring back the Malay voters to Harapan fold," he said in a Facebook post today.
"I have always said this election isn’t a referendum on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim but it certainly shows Harapan isn’t gaining traction amongst Malay voters.
"We need to therefore understand their grouses and make every effort to respond to their needs. Or risk losing their support forever," he added.
Harapan and BN retained control of Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan in yesterday's election.
However, they were wiped out in Terengganu and suffered significant losses in Kedah, while PN made inroads in Selangor and Penang by winning Malay seats.
Before the elections, the government had made efforts to pander to conservatives, including banning Swatch watches with LGBT elements.
Harapan and BN also launched attacks on PN leaders such as Kedah PN chief Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to win over support.
Charles, the National Water Service Commission (Span) chairperson, said such moves were ineffective.
"The ban on using Swatch watches for example would only alienate non-Malay voters.
"Demonising PAS or select leaders and using preventive laws did not put a lid on PN’s growing popularity.
"Harapan needs to therefore focus on reforms and stay in the middle ground," he said.
Meanwhile, the former DAP lawmaker said that Harapan should also refrain from rebuking those who voted PN and instead focus on protecting and improving the people's rights and welfare. - Mkini

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