Allies in govt should stop bashing one another

 In an ideal world, all those political veterans not considered to be directly involved in running the government or recogniSed as opposition bigwigs should know how to refrain from making unnecessary, disruptive noises.

But this world is far from ideal and don’t expect political animals, those who breathe, eat, and sleep politics and know of no other trade, to keep quiet or conveniently fade away.

They won’t. Like it or not, we have to continue to live with their frequent chirpings and tolerate their nonsense.

A most glaring example has to be Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Our two-time prime minister is in the news every other week if not every other day. He is off the radar only when he is receiving medical attention in the hospital.

We know too well Mahathir’s favourite topics these days. There is no necessity for me to mention them as some of his subjects border on negativity and divisiveness.

Unfortunately, I also have to put DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang in the same category as those who should refrain from making political statements unnecessarily.

For example, Lim’s recent ‘invitation’ to PAS to join the coalition government - even if made in his personal capacity - was unnecessary and out of place.

Sorry, but I have to say this with the utmost respect to the DAP supremo. Since Lim has retired from active politics, it is no longer his place to say things or issue statements that could inadvertently put the Madani government in a negative light.

His recent one has stirred quite a controversy and has created uneasiness and unhappiness within the ranks of DAP allies in the government, albeit unintentionally surely. Oh, by the way, congratulations Tan Sri Lim.

Of late, we must also have noticed a most negative trait among some politicians in government – they tend to derive much pleasure in criticising their partners or allies.

When reprimanded and told to stop doing so, they will always have the ready excuse that their criticisms were made in good faith and meant to improve the workings of the government.

Criticise privately

A case in point is the recent criticism of Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli by Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

In his defence, Puad pointed out that being part of the government of the day does not mean refraining from reprimanding ministers who underperform.

I can agree with Puad that non-performing ministers should be told off. That is justified.

I have also asked ministers not up for the job to leave in a previous article but the difference is that I am not a member of any party in the coalition while Puad is.

We must also understand that while constructive criticism is essential for healthy alliances, it should ideally be conducted privately and in a manner that fosters dialogue and understanding.

Do not forget its ultimate goal is to enhance effectiveness, strengthen the position, and achieve the shared objectives of political allies more successfully.

Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi

Here, it is important for Puad to always bear in mind that he is also a member of the government by virtue of his position in Umno. He is not an outsider but an insider.

Then, Puad must also consider the timing of his bashing a member of the administration who is an ally and not an opponent.

Only six months in and with the continuous attacks from the opposition plus the approaching elections in six states, I don’t think this is the right time to whack your own people.

As a political veteran, I expect Puad to know better. Concentrate on returning fire to attacks from the opposition. Release your anger and frustration towards your opponents, not your partners and allies, particularly during this time of war. The state elections will not be an easy ride for the Madani government.

Leave ego at home

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan was right to urge party leaders to use internal channels to voice criticism. He has asked Umno members to close ranks and stop airing their criticism in public.

I hope that Puad, for his own sake and for the sake of his party Umno and the federal government, will leave his ego at home and listen to the advice of his party seniors.

This is the time for a headstrong character like Puad to mellow down and sober up if his objective is to genuinely help put in place a stronger and more vibrant government.

For allies to bash one another every other day will only spell doom for any coalition. Publicly criticising each other will only create divisions and weaken the collective strength of the alliance.

Indeed, trust is the foundation of any successful alliance, and preserving it is crucial for effective teamwork and achieving shared objectives.

The next time anyone in the government feels like opening their mouth to bash a colleague, think twice before you take the leap! - Mkini

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FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.