PETALING JAYA: DAP needs to address the perception that it is anti-Malay and anti-Islam if it wants to broaden its support among Malay voters, political analysts say.
University of Tasmania academic James Chin said DAP was facing a difficult balancing act as it sought to retain its traditional Chinese support base while reaching out to Malay and Indian voters.
He said some of DAP’s core Chinese supporters remained uncomfortable with the party’s efforts to expand its appeal beyond the Chinese community.
However, Chin said DAP would need to gain wider support from other communities if it wanted to maintain its political influence as Malaysia’s demographic landscape changes.
Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia academic Syaza Shukri said changing the perception of DAP among Malay voters would be difficult, particularly because of views that have developed over decades.
She said the party should focus more on delivering services to the Malay community and acknowledge the community’s position as the country’s majority.
Syaza also cautioned DAP against portraying Malays or PAS supporters as anti-Chinese or anti-Indian.
Instead, she said criticism should be directed at individuals or organisations that deliberately fuel racial and religious tensions.
Her comments followed DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s call for the party to expand its support beyond its traditional voter base ahead of the next general election, while maintaining its core Chinese support.
Loke had also acknowledged that DAP’s political objectives would require compromise among coalition partners because of Malaysia’s political realities.
-FMT
