00:00An analysis suggests that differing ideologies may prevent Muda and Parti Socialist Malaysia
00:06from forging alliances with several other parties.
00:09The Asia Group's associate Vice President Azrul Sani said that while Muda and PSM may brand themselves as progressive,
00:16their distinct political philosophies make wider cooperation unlikely.
00:21This is especially true for the more conservative and Muslim-focused parties
00:26such as PAS, Berjasa, Putra and Iman.
00:30He cited the UMNO-DAP relationship as evidence of how difficult such cooperation can be,
00:36with both sides still grappling with grassroots discomfort even while in government.
00:41He said UMNO and Berzatou's experience has shown how parties competing for the Malay vote
00:46often struggle due to competition for seats and leadership positions.
00:51Azrul said the bigger constraint facing the Muda-PSM partnership was not ideology but leverage.
00:57He said both parties lack electoral weight, having failed to deliver large vote banks and win seats.
01:04That Azrul said would make larger parties question what Muda and PSM can bring to the table.
01:11Last Monday, the two parties officially announced the formation of their progressive bloc
01:16ahead of the Johor and Negri Sambilan state elections.
01:24James Chin of the University of Tasmania questioned whether the two parties could translate their political message
01:31into electoral gains, given their small voter base.
01:35He said the upcoming Johor and Negri Sambilan polls may see attempts by Muda and PSM
01:40to position themselves as a third force, much like Bersama.
01:44Shin called the Muda-PSM cooperation significant, saying it preserves space in Malaysia for progressive politics.
01:52Amardeep Gill, FMT.
Comments