Is there a political ‘sandiwara’ between Umno and DAP?

 

Over the years I have observed Umno and DAP engaging extensively in what I would call 

sandiwara politics

, or the politics of pretence.

In this regard, I would make two observations. Firstly, these two parties tend to resort to sandiwara politics to pander to their respective vote banks comprising the Malays and the Chinese.

Now, let me suggest why, because if the rakyat does not understand why this kind of political back-and-forth has been allowed to go on for more than 60 years, there is no reason to hope that Malaysia will ever change for the better over the next 60.

What do I mean by sandiwara politics between Umno and DAP?

For Umno, their act of insulting the non-Malays, especially the DAP and the Chinese, helps their reputation as 

pejuang Melayu

 (Malay warriors).

Most Malays believe that such insults are par for the course.

That is why Umno, despite suffering a heavy defeat at the 15th general election still expects to win every election it contests using the same strategy, and can now boast of retaking Nenggiri and winning Mahkota at recent by-elections.

The sandiwara politics displayed by Dr Akmal Saleh and Nur Jazlan Mohamed has paid Umno huge dividends. That was why the party’s top leadership hesitates to reprimand Akmal for his buffoonery and outbursts.

As for the DAP, I find it strange that although the party boasts several high-calibre Malay members, it is its Chinese members that tend to comment whenever an Islamic issue comes up.

The Malays have a saying: 

Sarang tebuan jangan dijolok.

 (Never stir a hornet’s nest.)

Whether the issue concerns alcohol, the halal-haram discussion or membership in a committee looking into Islamic and federal laws, Chinese DAP members simply cannot keep their mouths shut.

This has ignited severe backlash from the Malay community to the point, I am told, that one MP saw two of his cars burnt and his house almost go up in flames.

Until today, the police have yet to comment on the matter of motive, but I suspect it has to be arson due to the political grievances of one particular race.

I have on many occasions reminded non-Malays to seek proper authority before speaking on Islamic issues, or rely on their Muslim members to mouth their grievances. In the eyes of the Malays, just being a wakil rakyat is not sufficient for a non-Malay to comment on matters relating to Islam.

But here is the question: why do the Chinese DAP members keep repeating this mistake, if it is a mistake at all?

I suggest that the Chinese, like the Malays, also want their own hero warrior.

In fact, many of my Chinese friends have expressed their disappointment whenever the DAP has kept silent on many issues in the unity government that seemingly affect their community. To them the DAP is turning into a toothless tiger, like the MCA.

I have explained to them that the DAP needs to play a different political role now that it is in government, given the present context which sees them joining forces with a Malay partner and facing a Malay-controlled opposition.

These are days of delicate politics, but my Chinese friends do not want to hear any of my explanations. To them, their heroes must stand up to the likes of Umno and Akmal.

My second question is, how is it that this sandiwara has been allowed to play out all this while?

The answer lies in the people of Malaysia. The Malays in Semenanjung have been taught that the aggressiveness of the Chinese in matters concerning the economy and politics jeopardises the sovereignty of the Malays and their Islamic strength.

There is also the added understanding that the Chinese are the proponents of Christianity, which also poses a threat to the Malays and their religion.

The Chinese, on the other hand, I suspect, simply want to protect their cultural identity as well as their economic pie.

Thus, we see that both races have their own narratives on what a good political party should be for each of them. The Chinese believe their interests are best taken care of by a Chinese-led party, while the Malays look to rely heavily on a Malay-led party.

The Chinese believe that their spokesperson must stand up and address all Islamic issues, although they do not encourage uncouth conduct or derogatory remarks.

However, the Malays believe that their hero must not only defend their race and Islam, but must also do so in a rude and insulting manner in order to get hard messages across.

To the Malays, any non-Malay who addresses an Islamic issue is acting in a 

kurang ajar

 (rude) manner, which behaviour invites retaliation in like manner.

That is why for two years we have had to endure insults by Akmal – simply because that is what is expected of Malay leaders by both the educated and less-educated Malays.

I do not foresee any change in our country if the people of this nation persist with such expectations of their politicians.

The root of the problem, I am afraid, is not our politicians, but we ourselves, who do not know 

adab

 (good manners) and do not practice religious and social tolerance.

We truly deserve the country we have got because of our own vanity, mistrust and ignorance. - FMT

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