Larry Sng warns PH risks losing relevance over UEC issue

KUCHING (Dec 13): Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng has cautioned that Pakatan Harapan (PH) risks losing relevance if it fails to deliver on key manifesto promises, particularly the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), warning that shifting political alliances could reshape the federal government after the next general election.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Sng said the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has been unable to secure Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s backing on UEC recognition because the prime minister is prioritising Malay voter support, believing non-Malay voters have limited alternatives in Peninsular Malaysia.

Sng, however, disputed this assumption, arguing that political dynamics could change significantly if support for the PH–Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition weakens in the 16th general election (PRU16).

“If support for PH-BN collapses in PRU16, like in Sabah PRN recently, with PN gaining more seats but not enough to form a government, I believe that PN will offer the PM position to GPS or GRS,” he said.

Sng, who is Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president, said that East Malaysian parties have demonstrated stronger unity and a more balanced approach to race and religious relations compared to their counterparts in West Malaysia.

He cited Sabah and Sarawak’s recognition of UEC certification, Sarawak’s implementation of the Dual Language Programme in government schools, and financial support for non-Islamic religions through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) as examples.

“These policies could appeal to non-Malay voters in West Malaysia, while PN could retain Malay support,” he added.

Sng also noted that both Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) had previously supported PN prior to the formation of the unity government in 2022, suggesting existing familiarity between the coalitions.

He warned that excessive political compromise could erode public confidence in the current government, arguing that PH must follow through on its manifesto commitments, including UEC recognition, to remain viable.

“In order for DAP to convince PMX, they need to act irrationally. Just like Trump.

“There is wisdom in irrationality and it does get things done.

“Making too careful calculated moves will get them nowhere,” he said.

Sng further highlighted the potential influence of smaller parties and independents, including Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and several independent MPs, which collectively hold about 12 parliamentary seats.

“This small but important bloc may hold the deciding vote in forming the next government in PRU16, if we see a repeat of a hung government,” he said, adding that such groups have long been overlooked despite their potential importance.