Whining our way through the battle for Malaysia’s soul

 

It was early 2020 and a friend was whining about the last Pakatan Harapan-led government, saying that it was not moving fast enough on reforms.

Not being aware of the workings of a government, she also went on to criticise the administration for every flaw in the country whereas in many cases the bureaucracy or appointed cronies running things had not changed.

“Be careful what you wish for, as the next government could easily be much worse,” I told her, not really being in the mood to explain.

This was partly because I had been forewarned by Harapan sources of discontent and a possible move against the government.

After all, the prime minister of the time was seeking to replace his own coalition with a unity government - seemingly so that he would not have to hand over power to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, as promised.

As it turned out, things took an even worse turn than we expected.

To be fair, my friend actually did message me during the dark days of Muhyiddin Yassin’s rule and admitted that she regretted complaining so much.

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin

Which brings me to today. Once again, we have an untested coalition and this time Harapan does not even have a majority, let alone a government committed to reforms.

And even though the growth of PAS must be alarming to most moderate and liberal Malaysians, it seems that those among us, who love to complain and take potshots, are already taking action.

Choosing our battles

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not advocating that we close our eyes to the misdeeds of the government led by Prime Minister Anwar (top picture), and certainly, the media must not be its devoted mouthpiece.

Many injustices, both social and economic, have remained in place and if Harapan doesn’t buck up and tackle them, they must be called out. 

I am just saying that, because most of us don’t really pay attention to ideology, you might not recognise that the current realignment is nothing less than a battle for Malaysia’s soul. 

And we need to pick and choose what to get upset and excited about.

For even as Harapan formed an uneasy alliance with a BN tainted by the corruption trial of its leader Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, it’s possible that the alliance with Sabah and Sarawak parties will prove most crucial.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (left) and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

The administration that we need for the future is a multi-racial one built on consensus and shared values. One that sees an alliance of progressive and moderate Malays with non-Malays and friends from East Malaysia.

It is the only way to prevent the ascent and domination of right-wing fundamentalism that will doom us all.

In 2018-19, the government sat there like sitting ducks while the communal flames were fanned over Icerd, Rome Statute, fire and rescue personnel Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim’s death and the Khat and UEC issues until they boiled over.

The masses were easily fooled into misdirecting their frustration at a government that was the best hope for the future. And mark my words, the other side is moving along similar lines now.

Let’s keep in mind that the existing system leads the common man to be indoctrinated in short-sighted identity politics.

And by the way, I can’t help noticing that some who were cowardly during the dictatorship suddenly find their voice to criticise the more liberal government that gives them freedom.

Beyond Anwar

Incidentally, Anwar at 75 can’t possibly be the long-term future plan. Indeed, just a short while ago, I was urging him to step aside if he couldn’t quell PKR’s factionalism and solve some of his weaknesses, like a fondness for some moneybag politicians and playing favourites.

But he has said many of the right things. 

He wants to refocus affirmative action on a needs-based premise rather than race - something close to my heart as I drafted that proposal during PKR’s formation more than two decades ago.

As a victim of how our legal system has been abused in the past, Anwar must surely be committed to the removal of our more draconian laws.

Crucially, unlike every other prime minister, he leads a multi-racial party. This must be a blueprint for the future. Racial, religious and regional politics have torn this country apart at the seams.

Another culprit is having different educational systems. This can’t go on forever and I am personally thrilled that the new government has a progressive Muslim woman in Fadhlina Sidek as education minister.

So, before you turn to your default complaining mood (yes, Anwar was a lousy education minister and pushed the religious agenda himself in the 1980s) just ask yourself - is this the best hope for us to be steered in the right direction? And if so, should I spend my time nitpicking, whining, and playing the contrarian?

I believe we are actually at a crossroads. Malaysia has been going around in circles while others progress because the people have indicated a need for change but the necessary leaps forward have been thwarted. Repeatedly.

It’s not too late for us to become that progressive, united, multi-racial nation we were meant to be. It’s a long shot but it can be accomplished. And it starts with a change of mindset and a spirit of service. - Mkini

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MARTIN VENGADESAN is associate editor at Malaysiakini.