Although many have expressed concern regarding disillusioned youth, Wong Chen said it was more than just the youth he was worried about.
“Youth apathy is a problem but I am more afraid that our overall base may erode if our supporters no longer believe in hope of change. Increasingly, people are viewing politics as just dirty and riddled with corruption,” he told FMT.
Wong Chen said this was a challenge facing Pakatan Harapan in defending the Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat.
PKR first won Kelana Jaya in the 12th general election in 2008, when Loh Gwo Burne defeated former MCA leader Lee Hwa Beng with a majority of more than 5,000 votes.
In 2013, Wong Chen defeated BN’s Loh Seng Kok, with a huge majority of 28,827 votes.
Despite the comfortable victory, Wong Chen said it was no guarantee of retaining the seat at the next polls.
He said the disillusionment of voters would most likely affect support for the opposition. Should voters refuse to come out and cast their ballots, it would work in Barisan Nasional’s favour, he added.
One reason for this, said Wong Chen, is the suspicion toward PPBM and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“Many still cannot understand or accept the role of Dr M in Pakatan Harapan.
“Some are upset with the allegations of corruption in the opposition and if we do not engage and convince them then they may choose to stay home during GE14.”