Commentary: ‘Birther politics’ in Malaysia by-election may just backfire

Pakatan Harapan 's Pang Sock Tao is in a four-cornered battle for the Kuala Kubu Bharu seat in Selangor. The four-cornered fight between Pang Sock Tao of Pakatan Harapan , Khairul Azhari Saut of Perikatan Nasional , Hafizah Zainuddin of Parti Rakyat Malaysia and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin has also given rise to “birther-esque” claims over some of the candidates’ educational background.

However, observers have suggested an alternative motive, positing this as a strategic political tactic targeted specifically at the Democratic Action Party candidate, to question her credibility and loyalty to Malaysia. If Mdm Pang went to a vernacular school, took a non-national exam , and/or did not score well in the Malay language, it would imply that she is not an “ideal” candidate.

Research analyst, Aziff Azuddin, described this tactic as similar to Donald Trump’s “birther politics”. As Barack Obama’s popularity surged after the 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, conspiracy theories arose about his place of birth, reportedly started by the columnist Andy Martin. The seat in KKB fell vacant after three-term DAP assemblywoman Lee Kee Hiong died on Mar 21 from cancer. Malays make up nearly 50 per cent of the electorate, followed by Chinese and Indians .Though Mr Fadhli may view the questioning of Mdm Pang’s credentials as a clever strategy that successfully trapped her, it may turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory., understood what Mr Fadhli was trying to do and turned the vernacular education issue on its head by cornering PN to state its official stance.

PAS president Hadi Awang posted about his closeness to the Chinese community during last year’s Chinese New Year, including how his grandfather had adopted many Chinese children and how his daughter-in-law is Chinese. Mr Hadi’s grandchildren reportedly attend vernacular Chinese schools as well.

Perikatan Nasional Pakatan Harapan

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