In the wake of the twin by-elections, a veteran newsman has warned of a bleak future for the nation if change does not materialise in the next general election.
“We must be prepared to suffer the Togo syndrome and run the risk of moving even closer to becoming a failed state,” claimed A Kadir Jasin in a blog post.
He noted that according to the annual World Happiness Index, the poverty-stricken West African nation was named the unhappiest country in the world.
“But after the report was released, its president Faure Gnassingbe was overwhelmingly elected for the third term,” he said.
Though claiming not to be surprised by the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections results, the former New Straits Times group editor-in-chief, however, took a swipe at the voters.
“What surprised me is that despite the revelation of the wrongdoings of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, with the collusion of BN, the people still gave their votes to him.
“Sadly, their decision will only embolden him not only to continue defending his wrongdoings but to commit new ones if he so wishes.
“But the blame is not on Najib and his cohorts alone. Those who voted for BN must also feel ashamed that they allowed his handouts and promises to influence them. They literally sold their votes for pittance,” he added.
However, Kadir, who is known to be close to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, admitted that he too must share the blame.
“The burden of responsibility is mine too. For nearly four decades I inculcated in the minds of the Malays that Umno is their protector and BN is the best party to rule,” he said.
Climate of fear
Kadir also cited several other factors that he said contributed to BN’s thumping victories in the twin by-elections.
“There is the pervasive climate of fear. There are still many Malays who fear that if they do not vote for BN they will be penalised.
“These are people who depend on the government, like civil servants, those whose children are enjoying scholarships or hoping for one, or waiting for government jobs,” he said.
He also attributed the outcome to the racial card BN played by demonising DAP and its allies.
“Unfortunately for Pakatan Harapan, some Chinese played a trick on them. Many who voted for the opposition during the 2013 general election changed sides on June 18.
“There is a reason for this. With the pouring of cash and the promise of development projects, the Chinese, being traders and businessmen, will stand to gain.
“The Malays will spend the cash at Chinese shops and the Malay contractors will cede their contracts to the Chinese taukeh,” he said.
Kadir also blamed the opposition for giving BN an edge by splitting the votes between Pakatan Harapan and PAS.
“Umno and BN are not strong but the opposition, due to the inter-and intra-party rivalries, literally shot themselves in both feet.
“Hopefully, things will not be the same in the general election. BN’s resources will be dispersed and the peer pressure among voters will be stronger. But the opposition must be prepared to be more united,” he added.
According to Kadir, PAS would be a stumbling block.
“Najib has succeeded in turning PAS into his mercenary soldiers. They are doing the fighting for him,” he said. - Mkini
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