The backbencher, who asked to remain anonymous, said the biggest lesson the unity government can learn is that it needs to ensure Malaysia’s economic growth is felt by folk in the smaller towns and rural areas.

He said the US had recorded strong economic growth under Joe Biden’s administration, but Washington had failed to spread this out to poorer communties in the swing states, leading to Trump’s commanding victory.

He told FMT that, like the US, Malaysia was performing well economically, attracting substantial foreign direct investments (FDI), particularly in the tech sector.

“But if the economy’s good growth fails to reach the smaller towns and rural areas, political support for the Madani government will dwindle.

“Luckily, we still have three years to transfer the feel-good factor to rural voters. However, we have to plan now and execute quickly.

“We have to focus on rural development and agriculture, and weed out corrupt practices,” he said, citing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s ongoing probe into a RM1.8 billion padi fertiliser contract scandal as an example.

The MP also warned Pakatan Harapan that failing to deliver on reforms could lead to its core supporters feeling betrayed and skipping the next general election (GE16).

He said this was likely what happened among a significant number of Democratic Party supporters, due to the Biden administration’s stand on the Israel-Hamas conflict, which appears to have contributed significantly to Trump’s victory.

“Similarly, if PH cannot compel the Madani government to carry out certain key reforms, we too may have some of our supporters sitting out GE16.”

The backbencher said the unity government could also learn from Trump’s campaign, adding that the Republican had been consistent and persistent in his messaging and had shown an ability to engage Americans on key issues.

“You may not get everyone to agree with you on everything, but the fence-sitters will respect you and be more inclined to support you, if you do what you say you will.”