27/07/2026

MONDAY | JULY 27, 2026

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‘PSM remains relevant as voice of grassroots’

N15 - JUASSEH Juasseh is a constituency in Kuala Pilah that embodies Negeri Sembilan’s rural heartland, with rolling rubber and oil palm estates, traditional Malay villages and pockets of padi fields shaping its landscape. The constituency takes its name from Pekan Juasseh, a small town that once served as an important stop along the historic Seremban Kuala Pilah railway, which ceased operations in 1930. Remnants of the old railway station can still be found today, offering a glimpse into the area’s colonial-era transport history. Sungai Muar, one of Peninsular Malaysia’s longest rivers, flows through parts of the constituency and has long supported farming and village life. At a glance Incumbent: Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid (BN-Umno) Registered voters: 13,671 Demographic: Malay: 80.4%, Chinese: 11.4%, Indian: 5.1%, Orang Asli: 2.1%, Others: 0.8%, Sabah Bumiputera: 0.2%, Sarawak Bumiputera: 0.1% N16 - SERI MENANTI Seri Menanti is the royal capital of Negeri Sembilan and the ceremonial heart of the state’s centuries-old monarchy. It is home to the Istana Besar Seri Menanti, a magnificent timber palace built between 1902 and 1908 without the use of a single nail, making it one of Malaysia’s most remarkable examples of traditional Malay architecture. The constituency is also regarded as the cradle of Adat Perpatih, the matrilineal customary system unique to Negeri Sembilan, where lineage and inheritance are traditionally passed through the female line. Surrounded by lush hills and traditional villages, Seri Menanti remains a strong symbol of the state’s royal heritage and cultural identity. At a glance Incumbent: Muhammad Sufian Maradzi (BN-Umno) Registered voters: 10,105 Demographic: Malay 91.9%, Orang Asli 4.8%, Chinese 2.1%, Others 0.6%, Indian 0.3%, Sabah Bumiputera 0.1%, Sarawak Bumiputera 0.1% N17 - SENALING Senaling is a rural constituency just outside Kuala Pilah town, but it is best known for Bukit Senaling, one of Negeri Sembilan’s favourite hiking spots. The hill attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its panoramic sunrise views and the spectacular lautan awan (sea of clouds) that occasionally blankets the surrounding valleys in the early morning. Despite its growing reputation as a recreational destination, Senaling remains rooted in agriculture and traditional village life, with rubber and oil palm plantations forming much of its landscape. The constituency has been represented by BN’s Datuk Ismail Lasim since 2023. At a glance Incumbent: Datuk Ismail Lasim (BN-Umno) Registered voters: 9,903 Demographic: Malay 81.3%, Chinese 14.5%, Indian 3.5%, Others 0.6%, Orang Asli 0.1%, Sarawak Bumiputera 0.1% – by Kirtinee Ramesh

o Party stays influential by keeping rights of workers, wages and inequality firmly on national agenda, say experts

“PSM’s role nationally is different from winning seats. It raises attention and pushes for policies on labour, health and cost-of-living concerns. Its influence should not be equated with seat victories.” She added that PSM’s continued participation reflects its understanding of the realities of

national discourse,“ she added. University of Nottingham honorary research associate Bridget Welsh said PSM’s electoral struggles are driven by a combination of ideological perceptions, ethnic-based politics and structural limitations within Malaysia’s electoral system. She said many voters continue to conflate

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Malaysia’s political landscape, in which smaller parties face formidable barriers when contesting independently. Founded in 1998, PSM received official registration only in 2008 after a decade-long legal battle with the government, becoming the first political party in Malaysia to take the Home minister to court over its registration. Before securing official recognition,

socialism with communism, creating a perception hurdle despite PSM’s emphasis on equality, labour rights and social justice. “The struggle is a product of multiple factors – ideology, where the distinction between socialism and communism is not clear among the electorate, with strong opposition to the latter.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As the Negeri Sembilan state election enters full campaign mode, grassroots oriented candidates are hoping to prove that grassroots issues and local representation can resonate with voters despite the dominance of larger political parties. PSM Rahang candidate Tinagaran Subramaniam, better known as“Cikgu Tina”, is banking on a people first campaign centred on workers’ rights, social welfare and everyday concerns to persuade voters to look beyond mainstream political coalitions. Tinagaran said his manifesto is shaped by feedback from residents and prioritises tackling flash floods, improving welfare for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, strengthening workers’ rights, enhancing local government accountability and improving public transport. “I want to be the voice of workers, the elderly, youths and ordinary residents who often feel neglected. “Rahang’s development should benefit everyone, not just a select few,“ he told theSun . The 48-year-old tuition teacher holds an MBA PETALING JAYA: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) may have struggled to convert support into electoral victories but its influence on national policy debates remains far greater than its representation in Parliament, with analysts saying the party continues to shape discussions on workers’ rights, social justice and inequality. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said PSM’s relevance has never depended solely on winning elections, noting that the party would have faded long ago if electoral success had been its only measure of influence. She described PSM as both a political party and a social movement that remains deeply rooted at the grassroots, particularly in championing the concerns of workers and vulnerable communities. Syaza said the party’s greatest contribution lies in keeping issues such as higher wages, workers’ rights and stronger social safety nets firmly on the national agenda. “Although the government may not adopt PSM’s proposals entirely, by consistently campaigning for issues like higher wages and better safety nets, it indirectly influences government policies,“ she said. She added that sustained advocacy by PSM and like-minded groups ensures these issues remain part of policy discussions while increasing pressure on governments to respond. However, Syaza said Malaysia’s first-past-the post electoral system remains a major obstacle for smaller parties such as PSM, making it difficult to translate public support into parliamentary seats. “I don’t think it is about winning seats. PSM knows its chances of winning seats in Malaysia’s first-past-the-post system are very slim.” Instead, she said elections serve as an avenue for the party to promote its ideas, strengthen its grassroots presence and attract new supporters. “Eventually, they may still hope to win seats, but the bigger agenda is to remain relevant and part of Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the party contested elections under the banners of other political parties before fielding candidates under its own logo for the first time in the 2018 General Election. Rooted in socialist principles, PSM has built its reputation through grassroots campaigns advocating workers’ rights, affordable housing, public healthcare, migrant worker protection and social welfare. Its former Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj became one of the party’s most recognisable figures for consistently raising healthcare, labour and social policy issues in Parliament.

Welsh also said Malaysia’s identity-based political landscape presents another challenge, with political narratives often centred on ethnicity rather than class-based issues. “The prominence of ethnic politics often identifies PSM with the ethnicity of its leaders and constrains both mobilisation and narratives that follow different paths.” Although issues such as equality, fairness and the rising cost of living continue to resonate with many Malaysians, Welsh said entrenched ethnic politics and elite-driven narratives have limited PSM’s ability to broaden its appeal.

PILAH PITCH ... Senior Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz with Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Pilah seat Datuk Noorzunita Begum Mohd Ibrahim during a campaign walkabout in Kuala Pilah yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Candidates pledge to champion everyday concerns

given the mandate by the voters to win the Jeram Padang state seat, I will do my very best to serve everyone, not only the Orang Asli community,“ she said. Dayana, who was previously a member of PKR and Umno before joining Parti Asli, said the constituency’s diverse electorate comprises Malays, Chinese, Indians and Orang Asli, many of whom earn their living as salaried employees, business owners, farmers, rubber tappers and traders of fruits and other agricultural produce. She said one of the most pressing concerns raised by the Orang Asli community was the lack of access to clean water, forcing some residents to depend on polluted river water and rainwater for their daily needs. “Complaints have been made by community leaders, but little action has been been taken.“ A housewife, Dayana said she keeps herself informed on issues affecting the constituency and regularly takes part in community programmes and activities. “In any election, winning or losing is part and parcel of the democratic process. I am committed to working hard to earn the support of all communities in the constituency.”

and serves as Negeri Sembilan PSM secretary and an industrial relations officer. A long-time labour activist, he has represented workers in disputes involving government contract employees and plantation workers. Tinagaran also pledged to steer clear of racial politics throughout the campaign. “I will not play up racial issues to gain votes or support. Our struggle is based on the needs of ordinary people, regardless of race or skin colour.” If elected, he said he would also push for an Equality Act to combat discrimination and ensure equal treatment for all Malaysians. Tinagaran is PSM’s sole candidate contesting in Negeri Sembilan. Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan’s only Orang Asli candidate, Dayana Dal, who is contesting the Jeram Padang seat under Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Parti Asli), said she hopes to be a representative for all communities, not just the Orang Asli. The 40-year-old Semelai, who was born and raised in Kampung Orang Asli Jeram Padang, said she accepted the party’s decision to field her after receiving encouragement from her family and relatives. “As a local Orang Asli from Jeram Padang, if I am