Khairy and Ong Kian Ming should create conditions for healthy bipartisanship

 

IT was enlightening to see that politicians from rival parties can become good friends and even support each other that transcends political affiliation. This is not something new but it is seldom highlighted in the mainstream media.

Former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin recently said he was surprised by a public endorsement from DAP’s Ong Kian Ming, highlighting a long-standing personal friendship that predates their political affiliations.

Khairy wrote that he was a little speechless after receiving a public show of support from Ong.

For Khairy’s 50th birthday, Ong wrote on Instagram that he is prepared to publicly campaign for Khairy at the next general election regardless of party. He also expressed willingness to serve in the cabinet if Khairy becomes the prime minister.

The Association for Welfare ,Community and Dialogue (ACID) are of the view that such a bipartisan relationship in politics is much needed to heal and reconcile an increasingly polarised political discourse in Malaysia.

Even though both are not part of the mainstream politics, their mature attitude could be emulated by young politicians and this has significant implications to the positive development in the country if conditions are created to sustain it.

A healthy bipartisan politics that has a common understanding on the ills of corruption, importance of good governance and social justice could help turn Malaysian divisive parliamentary politics into authentic bipartisan initiatives that could help serve the common good.

Lawmakers in this context work with their conscience and clear vision instead of rigidly adhering to party directives.

This is currently lacking in Malaysian political behavior and discourse especially in Parliament.

It is hoped that Khairy and Ong can light up the conditions for bipartisan consciousness in the Malaysian polity and bring rival politicians together to serve the common good in the country. 

Ronald Benjamin is a human resources practitioner based in Ipoh. He is currently secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

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

- Focus Malaysia.