Pejuang needs to work with others for survival, analysts say

Pejuang needs to cooperate with both government and opposition parties to ensure its political survival.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political analyst Rusdi Omar is of the opinion that Pejuang’s “political life” would not last long without the guidance of its former chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad. 

“Pejuang’s grassroots are only in Kedah, while at other places, it depends on Pakatan Harapan. Before this, those who were in Pejuang were candidates who contested under Harapan in the 14th general election (GE14). 

“So I don’t see that Pejuang can go far if there is no guidance from Mahathir. They can only survive because of Mahathir.

“If there’s no Mahathir, I don’t see how they are able to continue their survival any further. So if it wants to survive, he has to be with Harapan-BN or Perikatan Nasional,” he told Malaysiakini. 

Rusdi said this in response to views that Pejuang should adopt a friendly approach towards the new government. 

Previously, Malaysiakini was made to understand that there was internal tension stemming from the party’s direction after suffering an abysmal defeat in the recent general election. 

The tension also caused some of the party leaders to quit the fledgling party. 

A source said there were views for Pejuang to be more friendly towards the new government, in hopes that the party could contest in next year’s state election with more ease. 

Meanwhile, another source wanted Pejuang to remain independent and for the party to be rebuilt from the ground up.

However, these are one-sided claims and have not been confirmed by other quarters.

Shrinking support

Further elaborating on the cooperation with other parties, Rusdi said that the approach should be made by Pejuang by taking into consideration the strength of the party itself. 

“Pejuang’s strength depends on the strength of other political parties such as Amanah and PKR. If it depends only on Pejuang, I don’t see how they can go far. 

“Similarly with Perikatan Nasional (PN), Bersatu is with PAS. So I don’t see that Pejuang is able to go far if it’s alone, and that’s why in GE15, it should have been with Harapan or PN but Mahathir refused (causing them to lose badly).”

According to Rusdi, Pejuang’s defeat in GE15 also resulted in less support for the party. 

“The effects of GE15 also showed that the support for Pejuang is shrinking. There is support but it has shrunk.

“So, for Pejuang’s survival, the party has to make a choice. Maybe to be with the government or with the opposition.”

If Pejuang wants to continue moving forward, Rusdi added, the party needs to be with Harapan. 

“It may be difficult for Pejuang to be with Harapan because of BN, but the impossible can happen in politics. Because everything is possible in politics.”

If Pejuang is with Harapan, it could enable the party to compete together in the coming state elections, he said.

“It is not impossible. That’s why political cooperation is necessary. As we see with Bersatu and PAS, everyone did not think that Bersatu and PAS could win the most seats. But due to the solid political cooperation, they can form government in several states. 

“So, the same may also happen to Pejuang because this five-year period is a long time.”

‘PN can’t be complacent’

He is also of the view that Pejuang’s cooperation with Harapan could block the progress of PN in Kedah. 

“It is not impossible and it will very likely happen because, during these five years, anything can happen. PN can’t be complacent. 

“If we look at the performance of the current ‘unity government’ under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, it can solve some of the current issues. It is not impossible that it can happen.

“In Kelantan, who would have thought that the prime minister could be so friendly with the Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaakob and so on? All were surprised when the prime minister showed his professionalism as a leader.”

Rusdi said if the government can also solve economic and cost of living issues in addition to showing professionalism when dealing with opposition leaders, PN may be “buried” in the future.

Mukhriz needs to decide

Meanwhile, political analyst Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani from Universiti Utara Malaysia said Pejuang must be firm in deciding whether it wants to cooperate with parties in the government or the opposition.

Similarly, Azizuddin said Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir also needs to be firm in making decisions.

“Pejuang needs to make a stand, whether they want to be with PN or parties in the government. 

“Mukhriz also has to be firm and not bother about those who are not with the party. Those who don’t agree with the party’s decision can also leave to be with other parties.”

He said, the action may weaken Pejuang but it is better than being gripped by internal conflicts. 

“It will definitely weaken the party, but it is now up to Pejuang – on taking what approach – and whether this problem grips or disbands the party and whether it joins any party in the government. 

“I think this is normal in determining the direction of the party where not all would agree.”

It is also appropriate for Pejuang to collaborate with Harapan as it could be placed in a better position if it sides with the government. 

“If you look at Khairuddin Abu Hassan’s statement, Pejuang prefers to be with PN rather than Harapan, but we don’t know Mukhriz’s side. 

“Maybe Mukhriz feels it’s better to go with Harapan because the coalition is the current government and maybe they will get a better place if they are with Harapan, especially to face the upcoming state elections.

“So, I think a firm stance needs to be made, it’s just that Mukhriz had made the decision to be with a certain coalition but may be rejected by party members.”

Neutral Pejuang impossible

Azizuddin also said that it’s impossible for Pejuang to take a neutral stance at this moment as the party is no longer seen as a strong political outfit. 

“They are a new party that needs support to build its strength and the rationale to be with a party within the government is to get better opportunities. However, it also depends on Harapan.”

He also opined that if Pejuang joins PN, they will be seen as a small party and the chances of competing in any national polls would be slimmer. 

“If Pejuang is with PN, they will be seen as a third party, a small party, and the chances to represent or contest (in the elections) would be limited as the priority would be given to the parties mentioned (PN-PAS).”

However, he said Mukhriz seems rational and that being with Harapan would be more beneficial as it’s from the government bloc. 

“It is more beneficial to get a place and be accepted, For instance, in Kedah, I see the opportunity (for Pejuang) to compete and win if it’s with Harapan than with PN. 

“That’s why I think it’s better for Pejuang to be with Harapan and if a stance has been made by the party, it is better to support it and whoever doesn’t, they can leave. 

“But if it’s a vital decision, I think it’s best for them to dissolve (the party).”

Pejuang fielded 67 candidates for parliamentary seats in GE15 but all of them lost their deposits.

Pejuang is one of the parties under Gerakan Tanah Air along with Berjasa, Putra, and Iman.

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