12th
My not very lucid thoughts on the recent Malaysian General Elections...
I particularly like Al-Jazeera’s suggestion that Malaysia might be on the brink of “political maturity” and think that yes - hopefully that is or will be the case. As I was saying to a friend, I am not entirely sure that a weak government is a bad development. Malaysian politics is (and has always been) to me questionable at best, my perception of Mahathirism being somewhat of a mongrel splice between Thatcherism and Rogernomics, politically and economically, with the distinctive difference (albeit inherited) of the beast that is the New Economic Policy – arguably the world’s longest and most developed racial affirmative action programme – which positively discriminates in a bid to achieve socio-economic parity. I am adamant that all the NEP has achieved is reverse discrimination in the nation and amongst its peoples. In my opinion, positive discrimination is a short term salve futilely trying to hedge the onset of deeper, darker long-term crisis.
(Interestingly, I also question at the back of my mind whether New Zealand is slowly but surely headed towards the socio-political rut that is endemic in Malaysia, in terms of its recent social diversification, Asians in particular, and existing affirmative action for the Maori peoples, which mirrors the NEP but in a vastly lesser manner).
Barisan National as the majority party has by virtue of its long-standing popularity been complacent in recognising that a Government is put in place by the people for the people. Consequently the weak Government is now in an awkward position for the first time in countless years where no constitutional amendments can be made – for the better in my humble opinion. Badawi’s Government has promised many things yet delivered all too little – what changes that have been made seem to be made myopically, for short term gains and/or reparations. I see no clear long term strategy for the improvement of the nation socially or economically. I make these comments as an observer of course, an outsider almost. But I have certainly long felt that the BN deserves a real wake up call, which has now come.
On the other hand - the prospect of 5 states being taken over by the majority Islamist opposition doth striketh fear into the hearts of non-Muslim Malaysians – what is in store for the Chinese and Indians in these states?
As for whether an Islamist philosophy and political tangent would be detrimental to non-Muslim Malaysians and whether it will create segregation, be it religious or racial, I would submit that BN was doing a pretty damn fine job segregating the populace already and that the Opposition are unlikely to be any worse than BN. Certainly, if Anwar is true to his words, a stronger Opposition might even deliver the unexpected possibility of real racial harmony - integration, not assimilation. My uninitiated understanding of Islam tells me that whilst there is indeed the Fundamental viewpoint, there are also plenty of teachings that rank tolerance as a high, if not highest virtue.
During our discussion, my friend questioned the motivations of opposition voters, alleging that the populace was not voting for Opposition policies but rather displaying anti-BN behaviour. It is naturally hard to comment either way on that point, but the issue did not bother me much as the point in my view is that irrespective of whatsoever reasons voters have become disenfranchised and/or disillusioned with BN and crossed to the other side, BN will now be forced to seriously review its politicks in order to win back the favour of the people, which as I’ve mentioned above, is exactly what I think it should do – earn or regain the favour of the people, c.f. take for granted that people will vote BN because it is BN.
Out of the ashes rises the phoenix, perhaps.
Besides, the general election’s outcome works both ways. BN is weakened yes, but though the minority is stronger than ever, it is still a weak minority. It would have been fairly interesting had BN failed to reach the simple majority required to form government under the FPTP electoral system and be forced to create a coalition government between the Majority and Opposition coalitions (whoa!). But perhaps it is a blessing that that did not happen just now as it would quite likely be too big a shock for Malaysia, in particular its economy. Maybe in 2013..
I suppose the idealist in me has always favoured strict parliamentary protocols, checks and balances. As it has been bandied about, “with power comes responsibility”. BN has been too smug, hence the electoral failures. Strong arm tactics, general oppression or playing on the people’s memories of the events of May 13, 1969 will not win the hearts of the people and whilst we do not fully what to expect of the rejuvenated Opposition, it is undeniable that the recent elections marks the dawn of a new beginning where anything, literally anything, could happen.
What is really troubling me though is that Badawi is not recognising his failures as PM and worse than that, BN is not recognising the failures of its party leader. If this election was anywhere else in the world, a vote of no confidence would surely have happened by now (if not sooner).
My friend also questioned whether the Malaysian economy will withstand the shocks of the elections. Whilst I am no Economist, I think the fear that seems to be circulating around is a bit overhyped. I doubt that the stock market/economy is going to crash as it did during the Soros-led SEA economic depression. Even if Foreign Investment dips in response to the “political upheaval” (which may well be a good thing because those monies that were coming in were probably not as kosher as we want it to be anyway, what with the clouds of corruption and cronyism surrounding Pak Lah, his son and various other Portfolio holders) it will still dribble in as Malaysia is at the end of the day, a promising nation well situated in a very attractive region - just not as blatently as before.
Whilst it can be argued that Foreign Investment has been arguably strong in the recent years and economically we have held our own better than most of our SEA counterparts, consider just for the moment what the real economic story is in Malaysia for Malaysians (who do not own some big MNC or is connected somehow to a Government official or heck, even his/her driver) – ever increasing inflation, interest rates, CPI, etc. but ridiculously stunted growth in real wages and social wealth. Now everyone could be in the shit - not just the poor Malaysians of lower and middle classes and most importantly, not just the Indians.
Race-based politics, as practiced in Malaysia, and religion-based politics, again, as seems to be the direction Malaysia is headed towards, are both intrinsically flawed. Want Malaysia to maju (progress)? First get rid of the fucking anachronistic NEP. Then revamp the political parties and electoral system - go left and right wing with a couple of green and interest parties thrown in for variety. Maybe consider becoming the third nation in the world crazy enough to implement MMP. Hehe. But that would never happen lah.
Or could it?
P.S. I have never voted in my life. Not because I can’t be bothered, but I honestly don’t know who to vote for. In hindsight, I think I too would have voted against BN but unfortunately not because I believe in the Oppositions policies or promises.
