PSM should also learn from Vijay and start winning seats

BY JAGATHEASON RAMIAH

It is no surprise to me that Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has tried to put its own spin on things after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated C Joseph Vijay on his appointment as Tamil Nadu chief minister.

PSM’s deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan quickly said that Vijay should avoid disappointing supporters in the same manner Pakatan Harapan did in Malaysia.

In a report carried by a local news portal, he did admit that there are striking similarities between PH’s rise and that of Vijay, as neither won an outright victory and has needed to team up with defeated foes to form a government.

I would like to suggest that PSM also learn from Vijay. Perhaps they can start by not losing all their deposits and winning seats instead.

The mosquito party hasn’t had any electoral victories since it stopped contesting under the PKR logo. In fact in the 2018 election, it contested 19 parliamentary and state seats and enjoyed a complete whitewash.

That pattern was repeated in the 2022 general election and despite subsequent attempts to team up with Muda and other similarly small parties, it has remained in the doldrums.

While we welcome the calls for more reform, a call shared by Vijay and Pakatan Harapan, we recognise the role of a mandate in carrying out these changes.

Perhaps PSM is used to not getting the vote of confidence from the people and merely claiming it as if it is a divine right.

Jagatheason Ramiah
Naib Pengerusi Majlis Pimpinan Negeri (MPN) Melaka