KUALA LUMPUR – PKR should not alter its image by adopting a more conservative stance for the sake of political expediency, said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The party vice-president said despite some assertions suggesting that a shift towards a more Islamic outlook may be necessary to secure votes in the Malay heartlands, PKR will always stand by its values of moderation and inclusivity.
“We can’t be who we are not. We cannot be more ‘Islamic’ than PAS, we can’t be more Malay than Bersatu, or even Umno, for that matter.”
The Setiawangsa MP said this during the inaugural PodaBoom podcast show The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly recently. It was hosted by Big Boom Media group editor in chief Terence Fernandez, group chief executive officer Datuk Zainul Arifin, as well as branding and marketing head and podcast coordinator for PodaBoom Shazmin Shamsuddin.
Nik Nazmi’s remark comes in response to suggestions from observers for the unity government to adapt its identity for electoral gains, especially in the peninsula’s east coast states.
He emphasised the importance of remaining true to its values and beliefs amid the so-called “green wave” of Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PAS.
The environment minister also shed light on his own experiences and the need for the government to communicate effectively with various segments of the population.
“I have to be comfortable (in my own skin), I don’t believe you have to wear jubah to show your religiosity… I won’t be someone who I am not for the sake of expediency.”
Nik Nazmi was responding to a question on whether there is room for a progressive Malay leader to reach out to Bersatu and PN supporters, which had secured resounding victories in Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah in last month’s state elections.
“From a Keadilan (PKR) point of view, we can’t be who we are not. But what we can do is communicate effectively with the people using language they understand.”
Still ‘room for progressives’
Nik Nazmi drew parallels with American politics, highlighting the importance of speaking the language of religion without necessarily adhering to “conservative” or “extremist” values.
He praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a prime example of a leader comfortable with religious discourse without compromising his authenticity.
“We need people who can understand the language, the context in order to communicate with that group,” Nik Nazmi said.
“This is the strength of Anwar Ibrahim, he came from an Islamist activist background, he’s very comfortable with that (language) and you can see that he has all these (related) events. You can’t say that that’s not him. He’s not being fake.”
“I believe there is room for progressives, it’s just that the case must be made for it.”
Nik Nazmi pointed out that PKR has achieved representation in every state, encompassing a diverse range of ethnic groups, demonstrating that there is a path forward for progressivism.
“We have to discover that strength to show that there’s another way forward,” he said.
He urged against underestimating or having a condescending view of those living within the “Quranic belt.” He also emphasised the importance of addressing their concerns effectively, acknowledging that the cultural and linguistic divide can be challenging, but not insurmountable.
Reflecting on the unity government’s recent formation late last year, Nik Nazmi recognised the novelty of the coalition and the challenge of uniting voters who had previously supported opposing parties.
He stressed the need to develop new leaders, craft a compelling narrative, and demonstrate a long-term commitment beyond the recent state elections.
Regarding communication strategies, Nik Nazmi acknowledged that the opposition has been adept at using platforms like TikTok.
He urged the government to find innovative ways to convey its message and not rely solely on the prime minister as the face of the administration.
Nik Nazmi added that while substance was not lacking in the government, a stronger emphasis on effective communication and talent development in the cabinet was essential. – September 11, 2023