What PH Can Learn from the Democrats’ Defeat
The recent loss by Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party in the United States presidential elections has stirred much debate on the dynamics of centrist and progressive politics. While there are stark differences between American and Malaysian politics, some parallels are worth noting as Pakatan Harapan (PH) faces similar challenges in Malaysia.
By reflecting on the Democrats’ pitfalls, PH may find valuable insights to navigate the complex balance between securing new supporters and staying true to its core values.
One of the key reasons the Democrats faced a backlash was their perceived willingness to compromise their core values in hopes of winning over conservative voters. Over the past few years, Democrats in the U.S. have tried to appease the moderate right by softening their stances on issues like healthcare reform, immigration, and economic justice. The result? They disappointed much of their progressive base, alienating voters who felt the party was abandoning its promises.
Instead of capturing new supporters from the conservative side, the Democrats weakened their relationship with existing supporters, many of whom chose to stay home or protest vote, leading to a loss of momentum that cost them the election.
PH may be treading a similar path with its attempt to woo conservative voters by aligning more closely with Malay-centric and religious issues — even to the point of adopting stances that seem closer to PAS than to PH’s original reformist ideals. In doing so, PH risks alienating its progressive supporters, particularly non-Malays and urban Malaysians who value PH for its inclusivity, reform-oriented policies, and moderate governance.
If PH focuses solely on competing with PAS in appealing to Malay-Muslim sentiments, it could risk losing the unique position it holds among moderate and progressive Malaysians who seek balance and fairness in government.
For PH, this serves as a crucial reminder that rhetoric alone does not win elections; addressing the people’s immediate economic concerns is paramount. Malaysians today are increasingly focused on issues like rising living costs, stagnating wages, and job opportunities. While social and cultural issues have their place, PH must recognize that the average voter wants assurances that their basic needs will be met and that economic stability is a priority. PH’s appeal to moderate voters should emphasize policies that can directly impact Malaysians’ lives, such as addressing inflation, improving job opportunities, and strengthening public services.
Finally, one of the key takeaways from the U.S. election is the importance of voter turnout. Democrats lost significant support among minority groups, younger voters, and the working class. These are groups that usually lean left but felt disconnected and unmotivated to vote.
For PH, mobilizing its base remains crucial — particularly among non-Malays, urban voters, and younger Malaysians who may feel increasingly disillusioned with politics. The poor turnout of the non-Malay voters during the recent Sungai Bakap and Mahkota by-elections are warning signs for PH – if it cares to heed it.
These groups may need tangible reasons to stay engaged and make their voices heard at the polls. Simply positioning themselves as the lesser of two evils will not be enough. PH must actively inspire and re-engage its supporters with clear, actionable policies that speak to their needs.
Learning from the Democrats’ recent missteps, PH has the opportunity to strengthen its appeal by refocusing on economic issues, fostering inclusivity without compromising its principles, and keeping its progressive base energized and engaged. If it can do this, PH stands a better chance of winning — not just elections, but the trust and commitment of the Malaysian people.
Joshua Soong
