Make it a year just about the rakyat
If politicians insist on descending to the lowest common denominator rather than to lift their game in 2019, the Malaysian experiment will fail.
MALAYSIA was blessed in 2018. In an unprecedented election win, the people swept away the evils of the past giving us hope of a new beginning. We were blessed with many things – a peaceful transition of power, political leaders who are honest, intelligent, hardworking and energetic, and the appointment of competent individuals to head some important institutions. Above all, we are blessed with the opportunity to build a strong democracy.
Yet, I am frequently asked by concerned citizens, “What on earth is happening in our country?”
What has caused this? The drama from the interminable goings-on in PKR? The Umno crossovers to Bersatu? The divisive politics of extreme right-wing groups, encouraged by the government’s capitulation to their vociferous and aggressive stances? Maybe it is because the reform agenda is moving too slowly? Or that people on the ground continue to struggle to make ends meet?
Lessons from Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s account of his feelings when he was historically elected South Africa’s President in 1994 will sound familiar to many Malaysians. He said, “The images of South Africans going to the polls that day are burned in my memory. Great lines of patient people snaking through the dirt roads and streets of towns and cities.”
Mandela recounted that despite logistical difficulties, misplaced ballots, and rumours of fraud, it still “could not dim the overwhelming victory for democracy and justice.”
Mandela inherited a deeply divided nation and he saw it as the highest honour to lead his country at that moment. He said, “It is not the individuals that matter, but the collective. This is a time to heal old wounds and build a new South Africa.” In his presidency, he preached reconciliation – of binding the country’s wounds, and engendering trust and confidence.
To this end, he set up the highly acclaimed Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the grievances of the past. The Commission had a wide remit and could even grant amnesties which aided in the healing process.
The Malaysian experiment
Like South Africa, we are building a new Malaysia today. We do not share the same violent experiences, but we also suffer from an induced divisiveness that is crippling.
To overcome this divisiveness, we need statespersons, not politicians. And yet, there are those today, who irresponsibly stoke divisiveness with scant regard for the damage that is wreaked on the fabric of our society.
Recently, some have complained about ‘liberals’ and ‘human rights’. But they conveniently ignore Malaysia’s long history as a responsible member of the international community. We’ve been a UN Member State since 1957, on the Human Rights Council twice, and on the UN Security Council (UNSC) four times! During our most recent stint in the UNSC from 2015 to 2016, we campaigned for membership under the theme “Peace and Security through Moderation”.
We cannot allow those who sow divisiveness to control the narrative. Reports show that Malaysia today, together with Indonesia, are shining examples of democracy in the region. It is vital, not just for our interests, but also for the region, that this “Malaysian experiment” works. Failure will allow the dictators around us to continue with their oppressive conduct. Remember the Rohingya in Myanmar for whom we (quite rightly) broke ranks with ASEAN? That was a fight against unequal treatment. And it will be better served if we succeed in demonstrating that democracy works.
If we insist on descending to the lowest common denominator rather than to lift our game, then the Malaysian experiment will fail. We must not give up this important global advantage which the Malaysian people have achieved together, and which will bring peace and prosperity to the nation. Narrow and parochial outlooks and a society divided on racial and religious grounds will only serve to spook investors and impoverish us.
Where do our solutions lie?
The lessons from South Africa show the following:
> Healing. There must be a process of healing where we confront the mistakes of the past. The cancellation of the Biro Tatanegara was an important first step. But reversing the years of brainwashing will be challenging. Such brain- washing has only created paranoia and self-doubt and helped keep unsuspecting participants dependent on the previous regime. What a disservice to the community! The focus should be on empowering all communities rather than weakening them by dependency.
> Be a government for all. Healing must be accompanied by a process of rebuilding trust and confidence. This government must be a government for all Malaysians regardless of political affiliations.
> About the collective. It is the collective, not the individual, that matters. Serving the nation is an honour. The will of the people to bring change must always be appreciated and leaders should always remind themselves of the people’s courage and be humbled by it.
I would personally add a few more comments and suggestions:
> Statespersons. We need statespersons now, not politicians. As the saying goes, ‘The politician thinks of the next election, the statesperson thinks of the next generation’.
> Fight corruption. Make the fight against corruption real. Long term policies, amnesty programmes, enacting a political financing law, making GLCs more transparent – these need to happen urgently.
> Talk to the people. Explain, argue, educate, encourage through the media, which is now free. The people are smart. After all, they elected this government into power!
> Find a way. “It cannot be done” is not a phrase we should hear too often from the leaders. You control the levers of power. If it is good for the country, find a way.
> Accept criticism. Know that the people want to help and support you. If we criticise, it is because the window to bring immediate change is small and we are anxious lest the opportunity slips away from us.
> Amend the Constitution. Work with the Opposition, if necessary, to get a 2/3 majority for important amendments. Two key amendments are to lower the voting age to 18 and to introduce two-term limits for the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers. I cannot see the Opposition opposing these vital amendments.
> Have courage and show confidence. The majority are rooting for you to succeed. You have so much more going for you than the previous government. We like you for starters. (Well, most of us like most of you!)
> Institute reforms. We need to see more extensive reform happen soon. For example, the setting up of the IPCMC is absolutely vital. End child marriage. Other reforms are proposed in the IRC report which should be made public. Trust that public feedback will provide valuable input.
Tackle poverty and sustainability. Set up a panel to look into rural and urban poverty. Let the UN Sustainable Development Goals be a guide to improving the lives of all.
> Work together. Could all parties in government now give up all the drama and work together? We must peacefully bring the country together, heal the rifts and work for the future.
We have so much to be proud of, and thankful for, in 2018. But can we please make 2019 just about the rakyat?
Happy New Year!