Muda-PSM may win seats in GE16 but not in this state polls, says expert

SHAH ALAM - Muda and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) have a chance to win urban seats in the 16th general elections (GE16) but not in the upcoming state polls, says an analyst.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said this is because state voters may still be reluctant to vote for relatively unknown political parties.

Yesterday, PSM deputy chief S Arutchelvam said that the Muda-PSM alliance was a good alternative to mainstream parties in future polls.

However, Syaza said if the parties continue to work on the ground, they might have a better chance of winning urban seats in GE16.

“It is good to have options. However, realistically, Malaysians are unwilling to vote for parties that are relatively unknown.

"If they continue to work the ground, I think they might have a good chance to win a number of urban seats in GE16," Syaza said.

Muda has so far revealed that it will contest four state seats in Selangor: Seri Serdang, Batu Tiga, Sentosa, and Bukit Antarabangsa.

Currently, PSM has revealed that it will contest three state seats in Selangor: Meru, Dengkil, and Damansara.

Political analyst Datuk Professor Dr Jayum Anak Jawan agrees with Syaza's assessment.

He said Muda and PSM's ideologies may not be seen as compatible with the values and culture of the Malays.

Jayum suggests that Muda needs to face numerous challenges, as each dominant political party already has a youth wing competing for the support of young voters.

Jayum also said that Muda needs to face a lot of challenges ahead.

"This is because each dominant political party has a youth wing, and these are competitors for Muda as a party for the young.

"Saddiq won Muar in 2018 riding on a ticket from a political party that has a huge base and appeal," he said referring to Bersatu.

"On leaving the party to set up his own Muda, he was lucky to be the only candidate from Muda to have won in Muar, whereas all others failed miserably," he said.

Jayum suggests that Muda needs to face numerous challenges, as each dominant political party already has a youth wing competing for the support of young voters.

Jayum further said a political party cannot rely solely on one demographic, such as the younger generation, to succeed.

To win elections and constituencies, candidates need the support of all social groups, including youth, women, and individuals from rural and urban areas, Jayum said.

"Not to forget, aligning one’s political party with PSM, a party that has values incompatible with many Malays is not a wise move at all."

Syed Saddiq had said that the electoral understanding was based on five thrusts: rejecting racial politics, fighting for the needs of the majority and the discriminated, pure democracy values, balanced and inclusive development, and environmental issues including green policies and climate change.