00:00Race-based narratives appear to be losing their appeal ahead of the 16th general election.
00:06Analysts say Malay voters are increasingly prioritizing parties and leaders with proven track records
00:12and placing greater emphasis on bread and butter issues.
00:17University Malayah's Taufik Yaakob and University Technology Malaysia's Mazlan Ali said
00:22former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's recent call for Malays to support Malay candidates
00:28regardless of party is unlikely to significantly change voting patterns.
00:33Taufik said Malay voters have become more politically mature and are more concerned about the cost of living,
00:40rising prices and job opportunities.
00:43Mazlan said race still plays a role in Malaysian politics but is no longer the main factor especially in urban
00:49and mixed constituencies.
00:52He said most Malaysians now embrace the country's ethnic diversity.
00:56Mazlan said Mahathir's appeal would only resonate with a small segment of Malay voters in Malay majority seats.
01:03Roman Dawi Gapari, FMT
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