Can BN rise from the ashes?

Only through honest nation-building efforts will credibility return in the eyes of the future voters.

COMMENT

By Danni Rais

May 9, 2018, will remain in Malaysia’s history as the day her rakyat decided for change, marked by their choices at the ballot box. As the majority rejoices, it is time to allow the dust to settle and tackle the road ahead. Pakatan Harapan (PH) achieved an unexpectedly decisive victory, and Barisan Nasional (BN) or what is left of it now has a long road ahead to reformation.

This is crucial as the democratic process cannot function well with one coalition at the helm which is not balanced out by a strong opposition. BN must now rise to the occasion. However, it is understandable that this will take time. Soul searching will be necessary.

The results speak for themselves. The Malay tsunami did come true, and coupled with the support of the other races, states began to fall like dominoes. The ability of PH with the ever-youthful Dr Mahathir Mohamad leading the charge was underestimated. Another surprising outcome was PAS’ proof that it remains relevant to this day despite the naysayers. With all the development that BN had proudly spoken of and all the plans for the future, what went wrong? How can BN rise from the ashes?

Firstly, it would need to solve the issue clouding Umno, which is its legibility. As the saying goes, “Ada hikmah disebaliknya”, and indeed this should be seen as the first sign of accepting change. Umno has done great service to the nation and its people since Merdeka, and it would be difficult to find someone who would disagree. However, nothing lasts forever and the people’s disregard of Umno in the election shows that it needs to not only change drastically, but to accept it.

There is no doubt that the RoS will look into the matter, not the least because the new government will certainly not let the matter rest. There will be those who wish to fight whatever outcome, but this is Umno’s chance for a fresh start. To achieve this, it needs not only political will, but a true will for change that is more relevant to the hearts and minds of the people.

Talk of BN being a direct-membership party has been around for a while, and it would be best to revisit this idea. As Umno crumbles, BN as a coalition loses its foundation and relevance. The new party that is to be established will have to determine its direction, especially with regards to ideology and the long-term development of the country, and whether it is liberal or conservative, holding on to the principles that built the nation such as the Rukun Negara.

BN has survived so far based on racial politics. However, it has been proven that such politics has no place in Malaysia’s future. Look to the parties that make up the PH coalition – all component parties are arguably colour-blind, save for PPBM although it too opens its membership to non-Malays, albeit of a different standing.

It is time to set up a political entity that is devoid of race, and put the fear of one race ruling the others to rest for all time. Open up and be a true multiracial party that is a platform to represent all. We must teach the nation that the Federal Constitution exists for a reason, and for as long as Malaysia remains, so will Article 153, hence there will be no reason to fear the Malays of the country. Enshrined is also the “legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this article”. Let this be the guide for the party in its long-term plan.

Let this be the beginning of a new ideology, to respect the past and to look forward to the future. The new party will have to look to the other component parties of BN who were, frankly speaking, whitewashed in GE14. Help them re-establish their confidence and invite them to be a part of the party and new movement. Those who wish to be part of something new will join. Do not fret about those who refuse. Another coalition would not be the answer.

Ensure that the make-up of the new party consists of young potentials who share the country’s ideals for the future. Enough of career politics; it is time to learn from the past where the country was built by educated individuals who had a life outside of politics. This ensures that the power and potential of politics does not corrupt the individual and the party in their endeavour for the people.

Critical thinkers will be needed and there should be no place for yes-men. The ability to question and argue is crucial in moving forward, just as a company would die a slow death if a CEO was surrounded by those whose only role is to agree.

To this effect, the opportunity cost of a new setup requires that those past their prime and who are unable to shed the past and accept new ways, step aside for good. This must be a united effort by the majority. The people will not be convinced if the old faces are present in the new entity. It would send the wrong message that the old ways are back, stifling progression and leaving no path for new leaders to make their mark.

Umno’s failure was also its inability to attract the young Malay crowd. BN’s weakness was not being attractive to the professional youths. Without them, the old culture of following blindly will continue. They must be given a fair chance and those with mettle must be allowed to rise. On this note, meritocracy must rise to the occasion and its practice must not play second fiddle to ambition. It is important, for recognisable development, that those with expertise in their various fields use that knowledge accordingly.

BN was also built on a strong grassroots foundation. There must be a return to this. PAS is a great example in this modern era, having been cast aside as the party that had no chance of survival. Instead, it walked away with two states, retaining Kelantan and winning back Terengganu.

The youth of today must understand that while the glamour and ease of social media outreach is certainly relevant, true politics is still won and gained and maintained on the ground. This is not a job to be done only during the campaign period. This is the nitty gritty work of one who truly wishes to serve the people, going back to relevant areas to serve and help the people. The importance and relevance of the human touch cannot be emphasised enough.

Along those lines, the new party must ensure that the majority of those who rise through the ranks must come from the grassroots level, albeit with assistance. The need to identify young talents is crucial, as is assisting them to function as an ordinary member at the branch level and create an impact. There is no point being cool and rubbing shoulders with the top echelon when on the ground, no one knows who you are.

It is unfortunate that the recommendations given actually go back to the early days of Umno and what made it succeed. The party was built on solid grassroots foundations, yet lost its appeal when it forsook those foundations.

Only through honest nation-building efforts will credibility return in the eyes of the future voters. There will be plenty of work required, as the old image and perception will always shadow those trying to reform the party. However, comfort should be taken regarding the old love that many still have for BN and all component parties.

It is clear that the only way PH won with the results achieved was because BN’s voters themselves voted for PH. This is an indication of the level of frustration that has been pent up for years. There were many tipping points that made them vote against the party they love, but identifying those points would be a futile process. It was only a matter of time.

Rejuvenation will not occur overnight. But collective strength will be required if they are to present an alternative future government by providing proper checks and balances to the current government.

Only time will allow for the excess fat to be removed, whether they make the jump to the other side or they slowly disappear, realising that Umno no longer serves their individual needs. The end may be nigh for BN despite all its success, but reform can be achieved through the spirit of its formation married with the expectations of today.

But then again, Anwar Ibrahim may have had more foresight than everyone combined in how PKR was set up, and Onn Jaafar may have been right after all when he started the Independence of Malaya party after leaving Umno due to communal politics. It is all that BN could have been.

Danni Rais is president of the Organisation for National Empowerment (ONE). -Mkini