BN - now and then

When was the last time PM called for a Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting? And what do you think makes BN so languidly of late?

I raise this issue because the ruling party seems to be losing direction, in the sense that nobody is really in control. It appears to be a formidable political pact but feasible cracks are left to become bigger scabs that would dampen efforts to retain power in the next general election.

Even since Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad relinquished power to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and now Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, BN gets more imbalanced.

During Dr Mahathir's era, he made it a practice to have a monthly meeting among leaders of BN component parties. The objective was to resolve whatever differences and problems that could tarnish the party's image and credibility.

At least, no internal bickering, regardless of how serious and damaging was it, found its way to the Press. Everything was discussed and 'kautim' behind close door, behind four walls. Nobody was allowed to criticise others boldly in an open forum as this would give an impression that something was set by the ear.

Call him (Dr M) a 'dictator' if you may (like how the opposition calls him) but if a dictator is able to put the house to order, he is far better than any hulking weak leaders. And that's how BN under his leadership gained popular support. Why? The rakyat's level of confident for BN was kept at all time high.

However, it is sad to note that BN today is turned into an arena of 'cross-fire' among its politicians. While the Pakatan Rakyat pact among DAP, PKR and PAS is well-known for its open cross-firings, especially between PAS and DAP, Barisan Nasional's component parties are joining the bandwagon by publicly hammering each other.

Could it be part of the reasons why BN fared poorly in the last two general elections?

The peoples are more comfortable to choose a strong united party that is free of major and flighty problems. Any differences among BN leaders on certain issues will symbolise the nation's uncertainty should they return to power in the next national poll.

Over the last few years, BN leaders did not go behind close door to sort out their differences. They preferred issuing statements to the media. And the media, happily accepting it as 'selling points', will publicise it prominently.

There was no more control. Its becoming 'sana hentam, sini hentam' for some of them who had forgotten the spirit of the pact. They seemed to enjoy every chance of it, and this has made them worse than the opposition!

But I guess its good for all. No more secrets, right?

Even the big boss seldom intervene. So, why must they stop? Even more and more people are subscribing to a 'free for all' approach!