PSM believes Pakatan stands a "very good chance" because Barisan Nasional's old methods of getting votes will not work.
Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) believes Pakatan Rakyat stands a “very good chance” of taking over Putrajaya in the upcoming general election.
PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan said this today when asked to forecast the outcome of the 13th general election (GE13), which some believe will be held as early as next month.
“Yes, there is a very good chance of taking over Putrajaya,” Arutchelvan told FMT in an exclusive interview here.
He pointed out “three things which Barisan Nasional uses traditionally” to win votes: money, racial politics and electoral cheating.
“One and two are no longer working in its favour. Even when it gives BR1M [financial aid], the people know why they are getting it – because of stronger opposition,” Arutchelvan said.
He noted Pakatan’s biggest concern was “electoral fraud”, as he believed this tactic was used to keep BN in power for the past 56 years.
“Umno is not going to let go of power so easily, and if you say electoral fraud can be eradicated… I don’t think so,” he said.
“However, if BN wins by electoral fraud, will the people still keep quiet?” he asked.
Arutchelvan hoped GE13 would bring about a change in governance – “as demanded by the people through mass involvement in rallies such as Bersih” – to show the people they have the power to “change the government when they don’t like it”.
“This way, it keeps both BN and Pakatan on their toes,” he said.
“No one should think they can easily stay in power and make money off the rakyat.”
Arutchelvan recently announced that he will be recontesting the Semenyih state seat and had unveiled his personal “report card” for work done in the state constituency since the last general election.
Despite contesting the seat in 2008 and losing to Johan Abdul Aziz, the incumbent from Umno, Arutchelvan was appointed as the Zone 18 councillor for Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) and is a familiar face in the area.
