Former Penang deputy chief minister P. Ramasamy has provided insights into Pakatan Harapan's win in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, highlighting shifts in voter preferences among different ethnic groups. While Chinese voters largely stuck with Harapan due to the absence of viable alternatives, Ramasamy noted that Indian voters have been exploring other political options.
Ramasamy attributed the increased Malay support for Harapan to incentives offered by the Madani government, particularly the announcement of a significant salary increase for civil servants. This move notably influenced the voting behavior of uniformed personnel such as the army and police. However, he pointed out that Indians were less swayed by other government initiatives, such as housing and development projects in specific areas.
Having been sidelined as a DAP candidate in the previous state election, Ramasamy has emerged as a vocal critic of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the coalition government. He described Harapan candidate Pang Sock Tao's victory in the by-election as a "pyrrhic victory," suggesting that it came at a significant cost to the victor, resembling a defeat.
Ramasamy highlighted a lower voter turnout among Indians in the Kuala Kubu Baharu polls compared to the previous state election. However, this trend aligns with the general decline in turnout observed in recent by-elections. Despite Pang's victory margin being slightly lower than the previous incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, Ramasamy emphasized ongoing dissatisfaction among the Indian community towards the Harapan coalition, which first surfaced in the 2023 state election.
According to Ramasamy, the discontent among Indians has persisted, leading to continued boycotts or opposition votes against Harapan candidates. He credited the success of the campaign by Urimai, an Indian rights advocacy group, in persuading some Indians to refrain from supporting Harapan or DAP candidates.
In summary, Ramasamy's analysis underscores the complex dynamics at play in Malaysian politics, where shifting voter sentiments, ethnic considerations, and dissatisfaction with political parties influence electoral outcomes. The by-election results serve as a barometer of evolving political allegiances and highlight the challenges facing the ruling coalition in retaining support from diverse demographic groups.
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