Where is the opposition?

These are strange times. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a lockdown. And the lockdown caused Parliament to be prorogued. Restrictions in movement and of gatherings of more than a few people effectively stilled opposition political activity.

Individual opposition MPs make statements here and there but there is little sign of an organised political party speaking coherently and comprehensively on issues affecting the nation.

Many of us accepted that the shock of the sudden and unexpected loss of office by Pakatan Harapan would have left them dazed and confused for a while. But it has been a long while now. And there are still no signs of the gathering of the troops under one leader to mount a counteroffensive. Speaking metaphorically, of course. 

In fact, there is Dr Mahathir Mohamad who behaves as if he is still the undisputed leader of Bersatu and of Harapan. Muhyiddin Yassin has sacked Mahathir and his son and friends as members of Bersatu. Mahathir disputes the validity of his and their dismissal. And there is Anwar Ibrahim who has installed himself as head of Harapan and leader of the opposition. The question does arise as to whether the two must work together and consolidate their forces to be a real threat to PN. Extending the metaphor.

Are Mahathir and Anwar able to come together after so much water has passed under the bridge and after so much has been said? Have they reached an agreement as to who will be the next prime minister? Without that issue being resolved there is little prospect of a motion of no-confidence succeeding. As it is the margins are slim and the loyalties of some are uncertain.

There is, of course, the possibility of there being another general election. What is the preparation that Harapan is making for GE15? Do they have a clear strategy? How will they deal with the anger and disappointment of their original supporters because of the slow pace of the promised reforms and secondly, because of the betrayal by Bersatu and the resignation of Mahathir as prime minister?

Given their experience of what happened when they were in government, all component members must thrash out their differences with each other and agree on a common vision and a detailed plan of action.

Does Amanah still want syariah law and an Islamic state? Does DAP’s "Malaysian Malaysia" platform need modification, clarification and perhaps rebranding? Is there a need for some agreement on what Malay dominance in government should mean? How do we straddle the vast chasm between a policy that wants Malay dominance and one that seeks a Malaysian Malaysia? Which is further exacerbated by one that seeks the establishment of an Islamic state.

There are many in this country who want life to be breathed into our constitution. They want meaning to be given to the equality provisions. They want a vibrant democracy where the separation of powers is respected and where the rule of law is adhered to.

In the meantime, what are the elected representatives who are in the opposition doing? There is no shadow cabinet. There has been no publication of a Harapan plan for dealing with the pandemic, the lockdown and the economy. There has been no critique of the government's plans including their stimulus packages. 

Some of the Harapan ministers were sometimes perceived to be amateurs when in government. It was said that they were good as the opposition but inexperienced in government. That was understandable. But now they are in opposition again. 

They appear to be milling around headless and directionless waiting for someone to tell them what to do. PSM, a party without a single MP,  has come out with statement after statement setting out their ideas for what should be done for the nation and the people. Especially the poor people. They have pointed out what they consider flaws in the government's stimulus packages.

All these raise questions about the ability of the parties to come together and to work together. And perhaps even reach agreement on fundamental issues. Are they capable in the first instance of being an effective opposition and in the second instance can they come together to form the next government?

There are also questions raised about the need for new leaders. Fresh young blood with a different worldview. Politicians grounded in the new technology, firmly planted in a world connected like never before. Politicians who see beyond race and beyond political boundaries. Politicians who understand the threats posed by global warming and climate change and by advances in technology that will eliminate many traditional jobs. 

Politicians who are committed to looking after the poor as a priority and who want an end to money politics and corruption. Politicians who support businesses that share the profits of their enterprises with their labour that help produce such profits and who do not shamefully exploit such labour.

There is a need for us to consider life beyond our oil reserves. There is a need for a government that understands the need to educate and train people for jobs that are out there and to nurture businesses that will manufacture or produce products and provide services that are needed in an increasingly competitive world. Why can't politicians realise that racial politics simply stifles growth?

And finally, Malaysians today ponder the question of whether corruption is too deeply embedded in our society for anything to be done about it. Some businesspeople lament the good old days when they could make their deals and get moving with their businesses. The nation struggles with its criminal trials and the widespread discourse about 1MDB and its significance and its implications to our body politic.

GE14 was fought in large part on the issue of kleptocracy. What will be the rallying cry for Harapan in GE15? Will Harapan be able to get their act together?

A pall of gloom has descended upon the nation. It is in part because of the pandemic and in part, our politics. Many in the country despair because they see no hope. They are convinced that we are on a downward trajectory. I do not want to think that way but it is indeed a challenge to remain optimistic.

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DAVID DASS is a lawyer, a Malaysiakini subscriber and commentator. - Mkini