Analysts explain PSM’s influence beyond Parliament
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.
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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-thepost 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 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 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.”
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.
“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 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, 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.
