Amid concerns that the Madani government may move to the right to appeal to the conservative Malay vote, PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should not bow to such pressure if he wants to stand out as a visionary politician for future generations.
Hassan said Anwar must remain firm with his Madani vision to build a strong, democratic and united multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia.
“A leader such as the prime minister, if he deserves to be the genuine deal and not just as an ordinary politician, must have vision for the next generation and not succumb to narrow and opportunistic objectives only to get votes and win elections.
“I regard any attempt by Pakatan Harapan, if any, to move further to right-wing idealogy and policies just to win support from the conservatives, and not progressive Malays, by subscribing to the narrow sentiments of Malay racism and chauvinism… as going further to extremism, which is prohibited by Islam,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.
He added that he will personally stand against any such move because he believes it is contrary to the principles of reform and social justice.
The federal government must maintain a moderate approach with its policies, said Hassan, who also reminded that Malaysia has both Malay and non-Malay citizens who have equal rights under the Federal Constitution.
Not only does Malaysia have a very significant percentage of non-Malay citizens, he said the natives of Sabah and Sarawak must be taken into account as a majority of the people in those states do not regard themselves as Malay.
Harapan Youth chief Kelvin Yii agreed that the government must stick to administrating with a "centre" approach.
Most importantly, the Madani government must address the economic anxieties of the people, regardless of race, and ensure its macro-policies are translated into reality on the ground.
This would include positive GDP growth, lower inflation and increased investors’ confidence, resulting in better and higher quality investments, Yii said.
“We can only ‘break the wave’ by improving the people’s lives, fixing the economy and bringing about institutional reforms,” he added.
However, he acknowledged that there is a need for Harapan and BN to reflect and do a post-mortem on the concerns of the Malay voters.
They must also find ways to win the confidence of the Malay voters without affecting their sensitivities, while still governing from the centre and addressing common concerns among Malaysians, especially the poor and working class, he said.
Similarly, DAP’s Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid acknowledged that the concern that the government might lean further right is not entirely unfounded as history has such examples.
She warned that it would be extremely risky for the government to pander to the right as it goes against the principles and values of a diverse country like Malaysia.
“Doing this will also alienate some of its current supporters and create tensions within the coalition. The results for both GE15 and the state elections show a greatly divided nation; we need to find a middle ground.“The next steps, moving forward, should be ones that can inspire Malaysians; focus on addressing the rising cost of living, education, for example,” she said.
Amanah secretary-general Mohd Hatta Ramli agreed with this sentiment, saying that pandering for political purposes will not bring respect from “good-thinking citizens and principled civil societies”.
The government should look to gain acceptance through honest hard work and clear, but non-divisive, efforts to dispel the notion that it is ‘not Malay enough’ through proper engagement with the community.
“At the same time, the welfare of the current supporters of all races and those in need should not be disregarded.
“Policy development must be tuned to benefit the general population based on need rather than on narrow racial line.
“Tough call but if we want to be on the moral political high ground, we have no choice but to deliver,” Hatta said.
Meanwhile, PKR Youth chief Adam Adli said it is not that the government has to relook its foundation or principles.
Instead, he said it is the government's approach and the way it communicates its message that must be changed.
“The language that we speak must resonate with the populace.
“What we are facing is misinformation, misleading propaganda fuelled by racial and religious hatred and prejudice,” said Adam, who is also the deputy youth and sports minister.
He added that the fundamental values of the Madani government are already in line with the teachings of Islam and Malay values, without having to hurt or harm the country’s multi-racialism. - Mkini
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