'Green Wave formula is limited to the Malay community' - Analysts

SHAH ALAM - The 'Green Wave' formula would be limited to the Malay community and will not work in the other Pakatan Harapan states as the status quo would remain after state election polls, say analysts.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) associate professor of political Science Dr Syaza Shukri said the green wave will work because, simplistically, it is a proven formula.

"There has been a demographic change among the Malays to become more in tune with their Islamic identity, so political parties will continue using it to their advantage.

"This strategy will work, including with youth," she said.

She added that during these uncertain times, especially economically, young people are looking for some sense of stability, which can be found in their religion.

"But using this formula, it is limited to the Malay community," she expressed.

Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan said that the GE15 results used the green wave formula, especially the theme of Malay and Islam.

"I think it worked in the GE15, and not only for the general voters or Malay general voters but also the new voters, especially the new Malay voters from the age of 18 to 20 years old.

"Umno at that time seemed very weak, and the accusations of leaders involved in corruption led Pas to be an alternative, so during the campaign, or GE15, Pas used the Malay and Islamic factors efficiently, especially in the social media, to attract these Malay voters," he said.

He added that it will work in Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah.

"However, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) would win hands down compared to the combination of Bersatu and Pas.

"The green wave formula could be employed in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan, but it will not work in the other PH states. This means that the status quo will remain after the state election," he said.

Meanwhile, Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said the green wave formula will work 'marvellously' in the upcoming state elections and in all elections to come.

"This is because there is an unstoppable rise in preference for religious conservatism not only among Malays but also among Muslims worldwide, notably in Turkey and Indonesia.

"An increasing number of youths exhibit the same preference for such religious conservatism," he said.

Recently, former Umno Youth Leader Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said the word is described with an implied meaning that reflects the existence of extremist propaganda.

He said the word green wave, referring to the rakyat’s support for Perikatan Nasional (PN), is seen by some parties with a negative connotation.

"There are foreign media that use the word green wave, as if PN wins the election, Malaysia will be controlled by groups like the Taliban, and I strongly disagree with DAP leaders," he expressed.