GEORGE TOWN — DAP has no intentions to compete with established Malay political parties to woo Malay voters as it has a bigger goal in mind – to groom more Malay leaders into becoming elected representatives, says Penang DAP vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Zairil, who is also a three-term Tg Bungah assemblyman, says that the party also wants to come up with the best policies to win over Malay voters, particularly those from the B40 income strata.
In an exclusive interview with Scoop, Zairil said the party’s emphasis on meritocracy helps promising young Malay members to be elevated at a fast pace if they are smart and capable.
This practice, he noted, differs from Malay parties like Umno and PAS which have a “traditionally structured” way of grooming leaders for a long time into becoming elected representatives.
“(In Umno) you would have to go from being the division chairman, which takes years (to be promoted) and you would normally be 40 to 50 years-old by then. Then only will you become a candidate.
“Whereas in DAP, if you shine and show your capabilities, despite being a new member, you can get opportunities,” Zairil, who is State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, said at his office in Komtar, here.
“I think that is the beauty and the strength that DAP has been able to show (in this aspect). This is how myself and my other colleagues like Syahredzan (Johan), Syerleena (Abdul Rashid) and Rara (Young Syefura Othman) got our opportunities.”
He was asked about DAP’s struggle in winning over Malay support, especially those from the B40 income strata and the youths, who have gravitated towards Perikatan Nasional (PN) in recent elections against expectations that they would lean towards DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Penang DAP is now led by Bukit Mertajam MP and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who is seen by political analysts as having good rapport with the Malay community and is capable of helping the state party chapter to become more accepted by Malay voters.
The right policies will attract all races
Zairil said emphasis should be placed on having policy platforms that would appeal to the whole B40 community, instead of just those from the Malay community.
These policies, he added, should show that the party cares for workers and the issues faced by B40 Malaysians today, as many of them are in the gig economy, and face challenges in terms of housing and education.
“We can’t compete or try to out-Malay the other Malay parties as we have no business doing that as well. But what we can do is to show that we have ideas, and we have policy ideas that can assist those in that (income group),” he added.
Zairil’s comments hark back to a recent remark made by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow that the absence of an “oomph factor” in policies or programmes could be a factor in stagnant Malay support for PH.
Excellent public service
Zairil said it is the whole of Penang DAP’s collective responsibility, not just his, to canvas for more Malays into the party.
He noted that he could not single-handedly transform the community’s views and perceptions towards the party.
Nevertheless, Zairil also pointed out that he has been making strides among Malay constituents in Tg Bungah – where he has increased the Malay vote share over three election contests.
“It’s about (service) delivery. It’s about making sure that the (state) government serves the needs of the people.” – February 27, 2025