Malaysia’s political paradox

 The bloc that can unite the country is unfortunately hopelessly divided.

Here’s something to ponder.

A united Malaysia depends on a fragmented progressive force — one that must face a conservative bloc determined to divide the nation.

This fractured progressive camp also has to contend with Malaysians who refuse to vote, or who cast their ballots for fledgling parties that cannot win or effect meaningful change.

If the Johor polls and the political pacts shaping the Negeri Sembilan election are any indication, Malaysians may well be governed by a conservative administration.

That administration would likely be led by Barisan Nasional, but headed in spirit by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang — the political Ayatollah of Malaysia. Mark my words.

BN and PN reaching an understanding by the 16th general election makes mathematical sense. Secure the lion’s share of Malay votes, and the odds of forming the federal government tilt in their favour.

That may see the prime minister come from BN, while PAS consolidates control in the north and east coast.

Malaysia’s electoral map would then be painted in two shades of blue: BN in some states, PN in others, with perhaps a few Pakatan Harapan enclaves.

The federal government would include MCA, MIC, Gerakan or the Malaysian Indian People’s Party — token representatives to project diversity.

This is the reality Malaysians may have to accept.

Why? Because progressive outfits like PH, Parti Bersama Malaysia, Parti Sosialis Malaysia and Muda, despite shared ideals, are held back by ego.

Despite their brilliance, they always end up being outmanoeuvred by conservatives. If survival were a sinking ship, they would bicker over trivialities instead of rowing together.

But the fault does not lie with politicians alone. Voters share the blame.

Deriding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and dismissing everything PH has done has become a pastime among non‑Malays and progressive Malays. These voters behave like entitled children — impatient and naive, demanding instant change while rejecting those striving to deliver it.

So while PAS and Umno strategise over teh tarik, progressive voters tune in to armchair pundits and disillusioned ex‑PH leaders eager to tear the coalition apart.

Malaysians must wake up and abandon the fantasy of overnight transformation. Hardliners and power‑hungry politicians will always slow progress.

To borrow from JRR Tolkien, what Malaysia needs is a Fellowship of the Progressives — a coalition strong enough to save the nation. - FMT

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