Johor Bahru, [Date] – Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, a prominent member of the Umno Supreme Council, has emphasized the need for the Democratic Action Party (DAP) to undergo a transformation towards moderation in order to maintain its backing from both the Chinese community and Malay voters. As part of the unity government, DAP must align itself with the success strategies of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno, adapting to the evolving political landscape.
Nur Jazlan’s observations stem from conversations with Malay voters during state elections in Selangor and Johor. Many Malay voters expressed reservations about DAP’s political approach, which they perceived as still being closely tied to its historical identity as a predominantly Chinese party. When asked about the acceptance of MCA within the BN coalition, voters cited MCA’s moderate stance and the dominance of Umno in the coalition as factors. However, DAP faced a different scenario; its secular agendas were met with resistance due to their perceived inconsistency with Islamic and Malay Sharia principles.
In a Facebook post, Nur Jazlan highlighted that DAP’s collaboration with Umno in the unity government didn’t entirely bridge the gap in Malay acceptance. To secure Malay support through this partnership, he asserted that DAP must undergo substantial changes. Specifically, he emphasized the necessity of removing the party’s “Secular Nation” agenda and the “Malaysia Malaysian” slogan from its party constitution. These elements have caused discomfort among Malays, representing a barrier to their endorsement of DAP’s goals.
While some Malays have joined DAP’s ranks as members, leaders, and representatives, Nur Jazlan contended that this alone might not suffice to sway the Malay majority. Instead, he suggested that these efforts might be perceived as minor attempts to make the party appear more compatible with Malay values, rather than indicative of comprehensive change.
Nur Jazlan, who also holds the position of Dewan Negara Deputy Speaker, warned that failure to execute substantial changes would potentially lead to DAP’s alienation from Malay voters. Additionally, he stressed that Umno’s continued association with DAP within the government could lead to continued rejection by Malays. He acknowledged the growing wave of Malay voter support for the Pas party, which he anticipated would gain further strength in the upcoming 16th general election (GE16) and beyond.
In light of this analysis, it becomes evident that the political landscape is witnessing a unique dynamic where the Chinese community remains supportive of DAP, while Malays lean towards the Pas party. Nur Jazlan’s insights underscore the need for DAP to strategically adapt its policies and messaging to secure sustained support from both communities, and to navigate the evolving political environment effectively.