Harapan can win GE15 with a 'new narrative', says PKR MP
Pakatan Harapan's success in the 15th general election will rely on its ability to find a "new narrative" that addresses the people's needs, according to a PKR MP.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim (above) said issues that had contributed to Harapan's GE14 victory - including calls for then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's resignation and the repeal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) - could no longer be used now...
Pakatan Harapan's success in the 15th general election will rely on its ability to find a "new narrative" that addresses the people's needs, according to a PKR MP.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said issues that had contributed to Harapan's GE14 victory - including calls for then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's resignation and the repeal of the goods and services tax (GST) - could no longer be used now.
"Take for example the recent Sabah elections, in the town areas won by PKR and DAP, support for Harapan and its candidates are still strong.
"It is just that the excitement to return (and vote), like in 2018, (is lesser)... So Harapan now, its leaders, must honestly come up with a new political narrative.
"If we used to say bring down Najib, (reject) GST, these narratives were appropriate for that time.
"Now, there needs to be a new narrative, for the people out of work, for the unemployed graduates," he said in an interview with PKR's party organ Suara Keadilan.
The veteran politician also said Harapan's new narrative must convince the people of its ability to solve post-Covid-19 challenges.
"If the rakyat can see that Harapan is able to convince them, they will give their support," he added.
Muhyiddin, Bersatu 'remain on shaky grounds'
Despite evading a confidence vote in the recently concluded Dewan Rakyat session, Hassan said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his Bersatu party remained on shaky grounds ahead of GE15.
"He will be entering the election with no strong support base," said Hassan, alluding to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and four other MPs who exited from Bersatu, as well as the dynamics among the party's new allies Umno and PAS.
Unlike Harapan parties with a hold in Malay majority as well as non-Malay majority and mixed seats, Hassan pointed out that Bersatu, Umno and PAS largely shared the same support base among Malay-Muslim voters.
Therefore, he said, Harapan's success to strengthen its Malay support, while boosting presence in non-Malay majority areas, will improve its chances of victory in GE15.
Last week, two top Harapan leaders - Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng - said Harapan is in need of a political reset following the failure to vote down Budget 2021.
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