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Don’t be too quick to write off PSM-Muda in Ayer Kuning
KUALA LUMPUR, March 27, 2025: Many so-called political analysts are quick to write off PSM-Muda’s chancec in the April 26 by-election in Perak.
The by-election is likely to see a three-corner electoral battle - Umno, PAS and PSM-Muda, provided there are no Independent candidates.
And who says voters are stuck with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), and Perikatan Nasional (PN)?
Given the current tensions whipped up by racial and religious bigoted politicians and parties, multiracial Malaysians who treasure national unity and harmony are most certainly upset.
Those who have written off PSM-Muda chances in the contest have ignored the growing dissatisfaction (an understatement, perhaps) with the bigoted performances of Umno and PAS.
These analysts may have to eat their own words after the by-election.
Thus, this is a golden opportunity for multiracial Malaysians to send a strong message to the Taliban-like PAS and Dr Akmal Saleh-influenced Umno that there is no room for race and religion in politics in multiracial Malaysia.
Enough of the decades of insults hurled by the bigots at Malaysians.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below news reports on the coming by-election:
What PSM-Muda brings to the Ayer Kuning poll
Letter to the Editor
-27 Mar 2025, 10:00 AM
The PSM-Muda alliance may face an uphill battle, but its candidacy represents a bold attempt to challenge the status quo.
From Wan Zamzahidi Wan Zahid
As the Ayer Kuning by-election approaches, much of the mainstream narrative dismisses the potential of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)-Muda alliance. Analysts predict a poor showing, arguing that these smaller parties cannot compete with the three dominant coalitions – Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
However, these assertions overlook key factors that make the PSM-Muda candidacy not only relevant but also a necessary counterbalance to the prevailing political landscape.
One of the most compelling reasons for supporting the PSM-Muda alliance is the opportunity to disrupt the status quo. The argument that West Malaysian voters will only support PH, BN, or PN assumes that the electorate is content with these coalitions despite growing dissatisfaction with their performance.
In reality, many voters are disenchanted by the repetitive cycle of political power-sharing and broken promises.
PSM and Muda offer a fresh perspective that challenges the entrenched interests of the major coalitions. PSM’s long-standing commitment to workers’ rights, social welfare, and grassroots advocacy, combined with Muda’s youthful energy and focus on transparency, is a unique combination that resonates with voters seeking meaningful change. Dismissing their candidacy as irrelevant fails to acknowledge the rising public demand for alternatives beyond the mainstream.
While some analysts argue that PSM’s socialist policies only appeal to urban voters, this view oversimplifies the socio-economic realities in constituencies like Ayer Kuning.
Rural and semi-urban areas are not immune to the economic challenges that are being addressed on socialist platforms. Issues like job insecurity, rising living costs, and access to basic services are concerns that affect all Malaysians, regardless of geography.
PSM’s consistent advocacy for universal healthcare, fair wages, and stronger labour protection directly addresses the concerns of working-class voters. Moreover, Muda’s focus on systemic reform and youth engagement speaks to a demographic that is often overlooked by traditional parties. Together, these platforms provide tangible solutions to the everyday struggles faced by voters in Ayer Kuning.
The claim that PSM-Muda cannot secure more than 1,000 votes overlooks the shifting dynamics of Malaysian politics. Voter behaviour is not static, and political winds can change rapidly when voters are presented with credible, values-driven candidates.
While it is true that PSM received fewer than 1,000 votes in Ayer Kuning in 2022, this figure does not account for the evolving political sentiment post-pandemic, nor does it reflect the potential boost from Muda’s endorsement.
Moreover, smaller parties have historically faced structural disadvantages, including limited media coverage and financial resources. Despite these challenges, PSM has earned a reputation as a principled party that prioritises the needs of ordinary Malaysians.
When combined with Muda’s ability to engage younger voters and leverage digital platforms, the alliance has the potential to surpass expectations.
A suggestion has been made that PSM is targeting Ayer Kuning due to its sizeable Indian electorate. While it is true that ethnic demographics play a role in Malaysian politics, reducing PSM’s motivations to racial calculations is both unfair and inaccurate. PSM’s track record demonstrates a commitment to class solidarity over ethnic division. Its policies benefit all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
The alliance with Muda further underscores this non-racial approach. Muda has consistently rejected race-based politics in favour of a multi-ethnic vision for Malaysia. At a time when ethno-religious narratives dominate political discourse, the PSM-Muda partnership provides a refreshing and necessary shift toward a politics rooted in shared economic struggles and collective solutions.
Rather than viewing the by-election as an exercise in futility, PSM and Muda are playing the long game. Contesting Ayer Kuning is an opportunity to test the viability of their partnership and refine their electoral strategy ahead of future general elections. It is a calculated effort to expand their presence and build a stronger foundation for future contests.
Furthermore, dismissing their prospects based on past performance ignores the broader political climate. Many Malaysians, particularly younger voters, are frustrated by the lack of meaningful reform. The PSM-Muda alliance represents a beacon of hope for those seeking a more inclusive and accountable government. With sustained outreach and grassroots organising, their influence will only grow over time.
The dominance of PH, BN, and PN has created a political landscape where genuine reform is often sidelined by power struggles. Smaller parties like PSM and Muda provide a vital check against this monopoly. By contesting elections and amplifying alternative voices, they push the national conversation toward policies that prioritise social justice and equity.
Additionally, the argument that smaller parties should align with major coalitions to remain relevant undermines the value of independent platforms. In many established democracies, smaller parties play a critical role in shaping policy and holding larger parties accountable. Malaysia stands to benefit from a more pluralistic political landscape where diverse voices are given space to thrive.
The Ayer Kuning by-election is more than just a local contest; it is a test of whether Malaysian democracy can accommodate diverse political visions. The PSM-Muda alliance may face an uphill battle, but its candidacy represents a bold attempt to challenge the status quo and advocate policies that serve the many, not just the elite.
Rather than dismissing PSM and Muda as irrelevant, the public should recognise their candidacy as an essential part of a broader movement towards a more equitable and inclusive Malaysia.
Voters in Ayer Kuning have a rare opportunity to break away from the entrenched political order and support a coalition that genuinely prioritises people over power. The question is not whether PSM-Muda can win this election, but whether Malaysians are ready to embrace the possibility of real change.
Wan Zamzahidi Wan Zahid is Pahang PSM chief.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
3R issues to loom large in Ayer Kuning, say analysts
Minderjeet Kaur
-27 Mar 2025, 08:30 AM
USM’s Sivamurugan Pandian says both PN and BN are expected to leverage recent issues, including the recently resolved Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple dispute.
Sivamurugan Pandian believes the role played by MIC’s M Saravanan in resolving the Hindu temple dispute will resonate with voters in Ayer Kuning. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Analysts say issues of race, religion and royalty will likely dominate the Ayer Kuning by-election, with the recent Hindu temple dispute and a slapping incident in Johor expected to take centre stage.
Sivamurugan Pandian, from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), said both Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional are expected to leverage these issues, particularly that of the temple, to their advantage.
Sivamurugan Pandian.
He said PN may drum up support for the construction of the proposed new mosque on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, while MIC’s M Saravanan will highlight the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple and the gazetting of its new site.
“Each side will try to play up the issues for political mileage. The authorities will need to step in if sentiments escalate — to prevent polarisation,” Sivamurugan told FMT.
Play
Controversy recently erupted after Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd, which owns the land the century-old temple is currently on, announced plans to clear it to make way for a new mosque.
The issue was resolved after the temple’s committee agreed to relocate to a site that federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said was a mere 50m away.
Sivamurugan said Indian voters make up approximately 14.3% of the electorate in Ayer Kuning, a state seat in the Tapah parliamentary constituency of which Saravanan is the MP.
He said the matter remains sensitive but may lose some traction following the compromise reached.
“The decision to relocate the temple with the consent of all parties, including the temple committee, has defused the situation to a certain extent.
“Saravanan’s involvement in the resolution will likely resonate with voters,” he said.
Local issues take priority
While national matters will be amplified during the campaign, residents are expected to focus on bread-and-butter issues, with the cost of living, employment, education, health and infrastructure among the primary concerns.
James Chin.
“State by-elections typically revolve around local issues. Voters want to know what candidates can deliver for their constituencies and if the government has kept their promises for the area,” said James Chin of University of Tasmania.
Although the temple issue seems to have been resolved amicably, another incident—where a 65-year-old Malay man was arrested for slapping a Chinese man for eating during fasting hours—has sparked unease, especially among non-Malay voters.
Chin said although the public has grown desensitised to such incidents, such cases still possess the ability to sway opinions.
“Although the temple issue may not escalate further, the slapping incident is another reminder of unresolved tensions,” he added.
Potential Indian voter swing
Paniirselvam Jayaraman from the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia said Indian voters could play a decisive role given the split in the Malay vote between PN and BN.
Paniirselvam Jayaraman.
“Past elections have shown how small swings in Indian votes can determine the winner.
“The emergence of groups like Urimai opposing the government may also influence the results,” he told FMT.
Meanwhile, a veteran politician who asked not to be named warned that the Indian community was “profoundly dissatisfied” with the government. He said the temple issue would likely further compound that dissatisfaction.
“I am not sure how this particular issue would impact the outcome of the upcoming by-election. It could dissuade Indian voters from coming out to cast their ballots,” he said.
Even if they do, their vote may not be for the government, the politician added. “Many in the community feel that they have been taken for granted.”
He also said that although the temple issue has been resolved, the manner in which it was handled — including the insistence that the groundbreaking ceremony would proceed even while the issue remained unresolved — has left a bitter taste, the politician said.
“The community is extremely disappointed and hurt and they are just waiting to express this disappointment,” the politician said.
The Election Commission (EC) has set polling day for the Ayer Kuning by-election for April 26, with candidate nominations on April 12 and early voting on April 22.
The by-election was triggered by the death of the incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, on Feb 22.
Enough is enough, dump the racial and religious bigoted PAS and Umno
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Enough is enough, dump the racial and religious bigoted PAS and Umno
KUALA LUMPUR, March 26, 2025: Multiracial Malaysians, especially those in Perak’s Ayer Kuning, must seriously vote wisely on the April 26 by-election.
Malaysians who treasure national unity and harmony must ask themselves whether they have had enough of the racial and religious bigoted Taliban-like PAS and Umno leaders like its youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.
Do you want to continue with the insults hurled by the bigoted politicians? If not, and if you have had enough, then dump both PAS and Umnno for a third choice - Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).
The by-election is golden opportunity for voters to send a clear message to the racial and religious bigots that enough is enough - there is no room for bigots in multiracial Malaysia.
Really, what have you got to lose by dumping PAS and Umno?
Multiracial Malaysians just want sincere politicians who voice to the defence of rakyat dan negara (people and country) and strive for inclusive socio-economic progress.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on why PSM is contesting in the by-election:
We offer Ayer Kuning voters something different, says PSM deputy chief
FMT Reporters
-26 Mar 2025, 06:14 PM
S Arutchelvan says voters will have a third option instead of just choosing a candidate from Perikatan Nasional or Barisan Nasional.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia deputy chairman S Arutchelvan said only a candidate whose politics went beyond race and religion would be able to raise issues effectively in the Perak state assembly.
PETALING JAYA: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has defended its decision to throw its hat into the ring for the coming Ayer Kuning by-election after several analysts predicted that the party would likely fare poorly at the ballot box.
PSM deputy chairman S Arutchelvan said the party’s candidate would offer voters a third choice instead of just choosing a candidate from Perikatan Nasional or Barisan Nasional.
“Our presence in the election, as stated in our announcement, is to make this by-election not a contest between which is the better Malay-Muslim party but rather which is the better party for harmony.
“Our presence and the issues we raise will help amplify the voices of the people, address sector-specific concerns and highlight critical matters such as housing and healthcare. This can definitely help reduce polarisation,” he said in a statement.
Arutchelvan noted they were constantly reminded that Chinese voters would not support PAS due to the green wave narrative. However, he questioned whether this automatically made Umno-BN the “lesser of two evils”.
He said the Chinese voters would now have a third option.
Earlier today, FMT quoted analysts as saying that PSM would likely fare poorly if it contested in the upcoming Ayer Kuning polls despite having Muda’s backing and the presence of a good electoral mix in the constituency.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said PSM-Muda would not be able to offer much of a challenge to the three coalitions currently dominating the political landscape – BN, PN, and Pakatan Harapan.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia expects the aspiring PSM candidate to lose his deposit, saying neither the party nor Muda has any conventional source of support in the constituency.
Fauzi also said PSM was eyeing the seat because of the sizeable Indian community present in Ayer Kuning.
Arutchelvan responded by pointing out that the party contested the Ayer Kuning seat in the 2022 state election despite knowing that it was a Malay-majority seat.
“But if the Indians are unhappy with the Madani government and want to vote for us, why not? If people want to use their protest vote in this election, we are offering them a credible choice,” he added.
“On the larger issue, people need to imagine how the Perak state assembly will be with an additional Umno or the alternative PAS candidate. What issues will they articulate?”
Arutchelvan said only a candidate whose politics went beyond race and religion would be able to raise issues – such as deforestation, flooding, Orang Asli rights and the plight of evicted farmers – effectively in the Perak state assembly.
Ayer Kuning voters: Show the bigoted racists, PAS and Umno, the exit
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Ayer Kuning voters: Show the bigoted racists, PAS and Umno, the exit
KUALA LUMPUR, March 23, 2025: There you have it multiracial Malaysians who treasure national unity and harmony!
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has announced that it will contest the Ayer Kuning (Perak) by-election on April 26.
It is time for multiracial Malaysians to dump the racial and religious bigoted politicians and parties that are threatening national unity and harmony.
The Ayer Kuning voters have that chance to lead and show that Malaysians have had enough bigotry politics and want real social-economic development.
And Muda has also announced its support for PSM in the by-election.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on PSM and Muda in the by-election and our previous postings:
Muda to back PSM candidate in Ayer Kuning by-election
FMT Reporters
-23 Mar 2025, 09:32 AM
The youth-based party says it supports efforts to fight for principled politics that are people-centred.
Muda officials and PSM’s S Arutchelvan at a previous event. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Muda has pledged its support for Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), which has announced plans to contest the upcoming Ayer Kuning by-election.
The youth-based party said it will begin working with PSM at its Ayer Kuning operations room in the near future.
“This decision (by PSM to contest) provides an opportunity for the people to choose an alternative other than the two main coalitions that dominate national politics,” Muda’s political bureau said in a statement today.
“Muda supports efforts to fight for principled politics that are people-centred, especially on issues of cost of living, social justice, housing, the environment, and the rights of workers and marginalised communities.
“Muda is committed to working with political parties that share the aspiration to build a new politics that is more just, progressive, and with integrity.”
It called on voters in Ayer Kuning to choose principled politics and bring real change.
Yesterday, PSM deputy chairman S Arutchelvan said the party’s central committee had decided to support Perak PSM in its bid to contest for the Ayer Kuning state seat in the April 26 by-election.
“We will announce our candidate and launch the main operations room for the by-election on April 8 in Pekan Air Kuning,” he was quoted as saying.
“We decided to compete based on various reasons, including the fact that PSM contested for the seat in the previous general election.”
The by-election is being held following the death of Umno assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, from a heart attack after taking part in a football tournament in Penang on Feb 22.
Ishsam, who had been the Tapah Umno chief since 2018, won the seat in the 15th general election in November 2022 with a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered contest.
Ayer Kuning by-election not necessary a choice between the devil (Umno) and the deep blue sea (PAS)
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FLASHBACK: A senator has asked why Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has yet to be investigated for sedition after posting a picture of himself holding a sword on Facebook. Akmal had posted the picture, taken during a recent trip to Japan, on March 14. The picture was captioned: “No matter what, we will not waver from our stance. Better to die standing than live kneeling.”
FLASHBACK: Lawyer and social activist Siti Kasim said: "I recently saw a TikTok video where he (Akmal) was seen calling the Malays to be ready. He was seen sharpening a parang ... this is something the police must act on.
"It is like he is instigating the Malays to create problems. Islam never teaches us all this," said Siti.
Multiracial Malaysians! Remember what Umno stands for (above images from Facebook).
Ayer Kuning by-election not necessary a choice between the devil (Umno) and the deep blue sea (PAS)
KUALA LUMPUR, March 20, 2025: The 45% non-Malay voters in the Ayer Kuning (Perak) by-election must send a clear signal to racial and religious bigots and their parties that there is room for them in multiracial Malaysia.
Prof Dr Tajudin Rasdi said non-Malay voters have to choose between Umno (the devil) and PAS (the deep blue sea), two parties that have insulted their religions and heritage.
He said it is a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea.
However, that may not necessary be the case.
Time to dump the devil and the deep blue sea.
If there is a decent Independent candidate or a third party (be it a mosquito party), then non-Malays have a choice to send a clear message to the two bigoted parties - Umno and PAS.
The Taliban-like PAS is clearly unacceptable to non-Malays and Umno staunchly supported its racial and bigoted youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.
Enough is enough of the racial and religious bigotry and insults from Umno and PAS.
Multiracial Malaysians who cherish and treasure national unity and harmony, just cast your ballots wisely for the future of your generations and country.
Show Umno and PAS the garbage dump, where they belong.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below Tajudin’s take on the by-election and our previous postings:
Ayer Kuning by-election: a choice between devil and deep blue sea
Tajuddin Rasdi
-20 Mar 2025, 07:00 AM
Non-Malay voters have to choose between Umno and PAS, two parties that have insulted their religions and heritage.
In Ayer Kuning, 45% non-Malay votes are at stake. The contenders will be Umno and PAS.
For the Malay majority, the options are clear. They can vote either for a party that claims to know the quick and easy passage to heaven, or one that offers a longer route via nation building and economic progress.
However, the non-Malays appear to have a huge problem. In their eyes, both parties have committed a great many sins. Also included in their ranks are personalities who have insulted the religions and heritage of non-Muslims.
So, it seems that their choice is between the devil and the deep blue sea. Or is it? Let’s review.
In the eyes of the non-Malays, Umno’s sins are threefold. One, for wanting Najib Razak to be placed under house arrest. Malaysians, including many Malays, are already struggling to come to terms with the shortening of his prison sentence.
To make matters worse, it was recently reported that another huge stash of money — as much as RM170 million in cash — was found with aides associated directly with another Umno member, former prime minister Ismail Sabri of Umno. Also seized were gold bars, handbags and watches.
The third is Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh. To me, this man is the bane of the nation. He lies in wait and fires shots at the Chinese especially. Among his favourite targets are DAP’s Chinese leaders. He does this to be counted as a Malay and Muslim hero, but has contributed zero ideas for nation development.
So far, he appears to have been very successful in his bid to be re-elected as Umno Youth chief, and perhaps may even be named a candidate for vice-president.
But will Akmal come and campaign in Chinese areas? That may not be a wise move for Umno. He will probably just appear here and there, hugging the candidate, as he did in Nenggiri, and then claim that he has gone to the ground.
Umno is the devil we know.
But what about PAS?
The party cannot differentiate between academic information on family relations and campaign war material. It claims to be justified in portraying DAP leaders as communists based on their biological inheritance. I honestly cannot fathom how many levels of stupidity it takes for party leaders to get to this position.
PAS is also famous for declaring non-Muslims as “kafir harbi” (belligerent infidels) through their religious declaration of the Qunut Nazilah.
Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria has made ridiculous statements about DAP leaders, wrongly linking one of them to a financial tycoon simply by virtue of her surname, and also suggesting that only those with physical features that resemble the Malays are capable of being loyal to the country.
It is very clear that PAS’s game plan is to spook the Malays with certain narratives about Christians, communists and the Chinese.
Thus, PAS is the deep blue sea. So, which party should we choose?
Perhaps, the way to resolve the problem is to look at the makeup of the Perak state assembly. In Perak, PH has more assemblymen than BN, but an Umno man holds the post of chief minister.
The exco is mixed, with good representation from DAP (18 seats), PKR (5), Amanah (1) and Umno (7). MCA holds the one remaining BN seat.
That means Umno can rely on help from its unity government partners when campaigning and will not need to mobilise its machinery in Melaka and Johor, where the party is dominant, to help in the Ayer Kuning by-election.
Ismail is unlikely to cause much of a problem as Umno has already successfully isolated him by not coming out to defend him in public.
Will voters overlook the negativity surrounding Umno and pragmatically defend the working relationship presently happening, or will they stay away as a sign of protest?
Non-Malays must send Umno a strong message and tell Akmal to stay away from Perak, as he and his brand of politics are not welcome there. After all, the Umno-PH alliance in Perak operates very differently from Umno in Melaka and Johor, where race and religion are front and centre of everything.
PAS also does not work with others outside of their own faith. It may have been able to do that once before, but not this version of the party. PAS today uses venomous politics, using race and religion to win at any cost.
In Ayer Kuning, there is a new opportunity for hope of a multicultural Malaysia, and a chance to send someone a very strong message.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Give the bigots and Umno the boot on April 26
Ayer Kuning by-election on April 26
Opportunity for Malaysians to show Umno rakyat (people) is the boss
Is Umno’s interest demi rakyat dan negara?
Notice how close was the explosion/crater to the row of houses?
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8, 2025: It is heartening to note that Petronas’ Gas Malaysia Bhd (GMB) is now acting to mitigate the risk of exploding gas pipelines nationwide.
Emergency personnel at the site of the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, which led to widespread supply curtailment by Gas Malaysia. (EFA Images pic)
