BUTTERWORTH: Pakatan Harapan will conduct a post-mortem of its defeats in the Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections at a meeting to review its strategy ahead of the next general and state elections, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Penang Chief Minister said the meeting will be held on Aug 8 and had been scheduled before both state polls as part of Pakatan’s early preparations in the event the 16th General Election (GE16) and other state elections are called earlier than expected.
"We have not discussed anything yet. PH will meet on Aug 8 as scheduled.
"As part of our early preparations, we will examine the reasons behind the Johor and Negeri Sembilan election results and formulate new strategies, including strengthening our social media efforts to deliver important messages," he told reporters after attending state Amanah Convention 2026 on Sunday (Aug 2).
Chow said Pakatan would continue to champion its "politik nilai" (values-based politics), although he acknowledged that perception-driven political narratives currently appeared to have overshadowed the coalition's message.
"We believe politics based on values remain the foundation of our struggle. We will refine our strategy to better highlight the kind of politics we want to promote," he said.
Referring to the Negri Sembilan polls outcome, Chow said it had raised broader questions about the country's political direction.
He said Penang would focus on bringing voters' attention back to the state government's performance, delivery of services and efforts to improve the people's well-being.
"We want voters to judge us based on our achievements, how we have helped the people and created exciting employment opportunities.
"Are these no longer important? That is for the people to decide. We believe they are still important," he said.
Chow said the state government would continue developing Penang while refining its political strategy to retain the state in the next election.
He also acknowledged that the election results could raise concerns among investors over the country's political stability.
"It does raise questions for investors about the direction of the country, not just Penang.
"Will this affect investor confidence in Malaysia's future? Will political stability and the overall environment remain conducive for investment? These are legitimate concerns," he said.
Earlier, Amanah secretary-general Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the party
believes that if Malaysians fail to preserve the country's diversity and mutual respect, the nation risks a recurrence of racial conflict similar to the May 13 tragedy.
"That is why Amanah, as a component of both the state and Federal governments, carries a significant responsibility to safeguard harmony and curb the rise of racial and communal extremism.
"What we want is a Malaysia that enjoys lasting peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development, where stability and harmony continue to benefit both the nation and its people," he said in his welcoming speech.
Muhammad Faiz said certain parties were continuing to play racial politics by promoting a "politics of fear" aimed at creating anxiety among the Malay community.
"They are pushing a narrative that Malays are in a dire situation and that their special rights and privileges are under threat.
"However, Pakatan has consistently maintained, whether through Amanah, PKR or the DAP, that the coalition remains firmly committed to upholding the Federal Constitution.
"That includes safeguarding Islam as the religion of the Federation, protecting the Malay language, preserving the rights and special position of the Malays, and defending the sanctity of the Malay Rulers institution.
"That is the struggle and commitment of Pakatan Harapan," he said.
