A fine line between democracy and kakistocracy

ADUN SPEAKS | I remembered vividly what I felt, the night when the Barisan Nasional-led coalition lost the state of Johor to the present Pakatan Harapan government.

I was devastated, sad and disappointed. We have a lot to offer to the people of Johor, but they have spoken their heart through the ballot box. But then I thought to myself; this is a democracy.

During one of my conversations with Dewan Muda Johor members, they raised the importance of democracy and how as an opposition, I could actively participate in the matter. I said to them that I am willing to do so but democracy, be it a ‘liberal’ or an ‘Islamic’ one, must not be hijacked by a kakistocracy.

Kakistocracy in its literal sense is a “government by the worst people”. In the American political discourse, this very word was used to describe the Trump administration, an administration that is inept, incompetent and amateurish. I do believe that now, in the state of Johor, democracy is under attack.

This is due to the flawed definition of democracy understood by Johor’s government of the day. They still view democracy and its values as a campaign catchphrase, but have done so little to articulate it in its truest sense, yet, at the same time, had the audacity in claiming to champion the said values.

I love my state. I serve for Johor wholeheartedly.

As I recall, in the press conference on May 12, the current Johor Menteri Besar said that he does not want to assign any allocation for opposition members. He equated such policy as an act of “giving bullets” for the opposition to attack him. His statement was then rebutted by politicians from his own party.

Frankly speaking, as an opposition member, I am determined in helping and contributing whatever I can for the betterment and progress of Bangsa Johor, even when I am no longer on the other side of the hall.

This state deserves better, and the best out of its leaders. Hence, political differences shall not be a reason to hinder constructive cooperation for the greater good of the public.

On Dec 4, the Menteri Besar said that I, as an opposition leader, had failed to execute my responsibilities due to my inability in providing constructive criticism for the recently tabled 2019 Johor State Budget.

Instead, according to him, by announcing to return the opposition leader’s room and my allowance, such as an act of “lari dari tanggungjawab dan amanah yang telah diberikan” (running away from responsibilities and mandate that had been given).

Furthermore, he claimed that the democratic values of his government are far better than the previous one, and my request to be included inside the Majlis Mesyuarat Tindakan Daerah was seen as going over the “boundaries of democracy” by implying that I should “faham bahawa amalan demokrasi mempunyai had tertentu” (understand that democracy has certain limits).

I have debated extensively, same goes with the other members of the opposition, on matters regarding the state budget. There’s not much to debate on, as 80 percent of the initiatives tabled had been rebranded and repeated from the Barisan Nasional’s 2018 Johor State Budget.

Second, this maiden budget by Johor’s Pakatan Harapan government is lacking in vision and a grand narrative to propel the state and enhance its potentials.

Not to mention the absence of comprehensive initiatives for Felda settlers, M40 groups, single mothers, fishermen, small-time farmers and other underrepresented groups of society.

Take a look and compare both of the budgets and judge for yourself. As an opposition, I can only execute my responsibilities if I were to be granted an access to information and involvements in policy-making meetings and discussions, not just official state functions or programs.

Johor’s government of the day lauds themselves for being the arbiter of democratic ideals. They think that by providing a room for the opposition members and a monthly allowance of RM 3,000 to the opposition leader, they have already upheld the virtues of democracy.

But now, I have four questions to ask Johor’s government of the day.

One, what is their definition of democracy? You cannot simply throw around the word ‘democracy’ without defining it thoroughly, in the context of a modern, multiracial Johor.

Second, what is your definition of “acknowledging” the role of the opposition leader? I would openly offer my expertise as well as experience if such role were defined accordingly.

Third, what does the Menteri Besar mean by “amalan demokrasi mempunyai had tertentu”? It is interesting to note what he has in mind in regards to democracy and its practices, vis a vis to the governance of the state of Johor.

And lastly, what are your comprehensive plans for making Johor in becoming a more “democratic” state? It has become more apparent that Johor’s government of the day is a kakistocracy, and it is trying its best to uphold democratic values yet failed to even understand and articulate its practices.

It is like as if, the state government and the menteri besar is hijacking democracy, its ideals, and values for his own political interests.

I agreed on accepting the room allocated for the opposition members in Bangunan Sultan Ismail, and the monthly allowance for me as the opposition leader, on the basis that I assume, that the state government of the day is serious and honest in upholding democratic values.

I thought they would be a breath of fresh air, and translating “New Malaysia” in its entirety. But it is not as how I expected it would be.

Moving forward.

Yes, we are an imperfect bunch, but now is your time to lead, and constant blaming is nowhere near leading.

We do not promise for a democratic government, but we would like the current administration to be better than the previous one.

“When a paralytic resolves to run and a fit man resolves not to move, both could not get anywhere.” I do not think we should put Johor in such a condition where both of us are unable to move and contribute our best for the rest of the rakyat.

We should work with each other, through honest and sincere actualisation of democratic practices in matters of pressing issues and common interests of Bangsa Johor.

---

HASNI MOHAMMAD is the Benut assemblyperson and Johor opposition leader. - Mkini