Reforms cannot be delayed if PH aims to do well in GE16

 

RECENTLY during the DAP elections much was said about the 3rd generation of leaders helming the party in the present and future.

The election results revealed that most of the first- and second-generation candidates have been shown the exit and with the third generation under Anthony Loke in full control to lead the party and make the necessary adjustments with fellow unity government coalition parties.

Many strong supporters fear that the DAP could morph into an MCA 2.0. Lim Guan Eng said it aptly when he stated that the DAP is not a “yes-man” party but that it will fight for what is necessary to protect the prevailing harmony among the communities in the country.

Former health minister Khairy Jamaludin said it succinctly in his Keluar Sekejap podcast when he alluded that the new DAP leadership has been transformed from street fighters to one that is Malay- and UMNO-friendly.

Things did not turn the way the DAP had hoped with the formation of the unity government under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who promised a myriad reforms under this reformasi mandate.

Many had hoped for a “rainbow government” that could initiate reforms to provide a bright future for all citizens in the country irrespective of race or religion.

However, in the last two years people have only witnessed more thunderstorms. The much-hyped and hoped-for reforms have been slow in coming and the people are beginning to show their disappointment and even joking that it has become “reformati” now!

(Image: The Vibes)

More than the PKR, the Chinese and Indians look upon the DAP to champion their rights, which could be subdued and endangered if the DAP becomes silent and acquiescent.

The DAP with its highest number of 40 MPs has to shoulder the burden of the non-Malays who have a long litany of grievances—from the New Economic Policy (NEP) to reforms to 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues.

So far under Loke it has been able to negotiate the land mines mindful that any intransigence in championing the rights of the non-Bumiputera could unfold problematical issues and rock the boat with the likes of the Sheraton Move.

The DAP has to gingerly tread the dangerous trail of 3R issues and at the same time continue to get the support of the non-Bumiputeras especially the Chinese community.

The expectations of the non-Bumiputeras upon the Unity Government are high and failure to implement the much-lauded reforms and the need to change the imbalances brought about by the NEP to a more inclusive affirmative-action programme.

The Indian community long accustomed to marginalisation under the colonial administration and the post-Merdeka government had hoped much from Anwar to rectify the discrimination and replace it with progressive programs through major fundings for Indians.

Anwar was supposed to do more than ex-premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the Indians. The Indians are fast losing hope in the Unity Government and, unlike the Chinese, cannot be intimidated by the ‘Green Wave’!

The Indians are not so much concerned about the colour of the government in so far as they can get progressive helpful schemes to uplift the community.

The main reason why Anwar is not keen or lethargic on reforms is that he does not want to destabilise the political equilibrium as some radical reforms could upset the apple cart and bring about unforeseen consequences.

He is being held to ransom by a wide range of people and parties with vested interests. Already Anwar does not have much Malay support and is striving to get it through various efforts and measures.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Image: Bernama)

Some of the radical reforms involved upsetting the present equilibrium and this may not be agreeable to some communities. Anwar is walking the tightrope.

However, the non-Bumiputeras who voted for the Unity Government cannot wait indefinitely but want to see quick action and benefits coming their way.

There are already many who say they want to boycott the next general election to air their disappointment with all political parties.

Also there are prospects of a Third Force coming to the fore in the next general election who may target the multi-racial electorate of the non-green states.

Many are even disappointed with political parties who are not able to do much to prevent the current problems and shortcomings.

Many notable NGOs and community leaders, among them Prof P. Ramasamy, Siti Kasim and Dr Xavier Jeyakumar could stand as independent candidates and erode the power of the political parties.

Many of these leaders are in the limelight always and are well known for the causes they espouse in the country. In the multi-racial constituencies very much coveted by the DAP and PKR, the Independents can give a run for their money.

In the next GE16 there are good prospects for these independent MPs to be elected and they need to plan it now. The west coast states with its multi-racial and more informed electorate are ripe for their picking.

Their main duty as elected MPs should be to bring about socio-economic reforms and control the excesses of the coalition partners in terms of racial and religious bigotry and ensure that the harmony and stability of the country is not jeopardised by the way ward behaviour of radical chauvinists and troublemakers.

V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.