Big tent approach won’t provide durable governing alliance

 

From Ronald Benjamin

Currently, there is a difference in opinion among opposition parties on whether to have a big tent approach in facing the resurgent Barisan National (BN) in the next general election (GE15). Political analysts believe this is a realistic way for an electoral victory.

Since the heavy electoral defeats in Melaka, Sarawak and Johor, some opposition leaders are of the view that they should not be arrogant and start listening to the other side for common progress.

The fact of the matter is Pakatan Harapan (PH), due to the current weak leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, has not come up with concrete plans to strengthen and consolidate the coalition.

He has not created a dynamic and distinctive alternative for the common people. His politics have been basically reactive.

Furthermore, the political forces in Malaysia have not reached a mature stage where there is acceptance of truth in politics, with acknowledgement of good policies and working together for the common good of the nation.

The absence of a shadow Cabinet itself shows how poorly PH has developed since the Sheraton Move in February 2020.

Today, there are various issues facing the nation, such as the decline of the economy, increased corruption, growing gap between the rich and the poor, worker marginalisation, and climate change, that need our attention.

The big tent approach of having ethno-religious conservative parties like Bersatu and Pejuang would dilute and jeopardise the dire need for a progressive political, economic and social system in the country.

The big tent approach could be a realistic model for an electoral alliance seeking victory, but it is not a governing alliance that is durable enough to benefit the people in terms of credible and distinguishable alternative governance.

It’s time PH listened to progressive views from the likes of Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar for the coalition to move forward.

DAP should stop looking for strong tigers to ride upon like Dr Mahathir Mohamad or Anwar, like it did in the past.

It should start listening to the grievances of the grassroots communities and work with the younger generation of leaders who have the capability of bringing in a more progressive socio-economic system in the country.

For the nation to move forward, there is a need for a distinctive alternative in politics and not a so-called mixture of the old and new systems.

The fall of the PH government after the Sheraton Move was not merely about the issue of personalities and succession, but a governing coalition that was polarised along ideological lines.

It was a testimony and evidence of what the so-called big tent approach of mixing up old corrupt and new systems could do to the nation. - FMT

Ronald Benjamin is secretary of the Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.