The Rise of People-First Politics: What KS Bawani’s Ayer Kuning campaign tells us

THE recent by-election in Ayer Kuning, long seen as a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold, once again highlighted the evolving dynamics of Malaysia’s democratic landscape - and the enduring challenges faced by Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).

Three candidates entered the fray: one each from BN, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PSM’s KS Bawani, making her second appearance in this fiercely loyal constituency.

While BN successfully defended its seat with a convincing majority, Bawani’s journey was noteworthy. From 586 votes in 2022 to 1,106 this time, her increased support signals a quiet but significant shift, proving that alternative voices are slowly gaining ground even in the heartlands.

Bawani’s campaign was a breath of fresh air. As a lawyer and activist, she championed issues closest to the people's everyday struggles, farmers’ rights, land disputes and the quality of local clinics - matters that cut across race, class and creed. Her efforts reflected a type of politics rooted in care, community and conviction.

Unlike the grand rallies synonymous with larger parties, PSM adopted a people-first approach. Through small group dialogues in remote areas, they focused on sincere, face-to-face conversations rather than spectacle.

Unlike the grand rallies synonymous with larger parties, PSM adopted a people-first approach.

Bawani’s openness and articulate engagement with voters and the media made a strong impression, embodying PSM’s commitment to genuine grassroots advocacy.

For many, PSM remains a vital voice in Malaysia’s democracy - a party that consistently champions the needs of the marginalised, from displaced farmers to the urban poor. Their ideology, anchored in social justice, has never wavered even as the political winds have shifted around them.

Yet, this very strength can also be their greatest challenge. In a political landscape that often rewards familiarity and mass appeal, PSM’s principled stance sometimes struggles to break through.

Bawani’s defeat inevitably prompts tough questions: Could aligning with a larger party amplify her cause without diluting her principles? Or is the slow, steady building of an independent political culture the more sustainable path?

As Malaysia matures politically, there is space and urgent need for more courageous voices like Bawani’s. But courage must be matched with strategic evolution.

For PSM to grow beyond niche appeal, it must reimagine how it connects with a broader swathe of Malaysians, without compromising its heart.

The road ahead will not be easy. But if Bawani’s spirited campaign has shown anything, it is that change, even in small doses, matters. It plants seeds for a more inclusive, compassionate political future - a future Malaysia sorely needs.