Beyond Anwar’s election victory

WITH the closure of the by-election in Port Dickson, more scavenger politicians will likely make a beeline to get into Pakatan Harapan or, more likely, into Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

Besides, the fact that questionable individuals even had the gall and indignity to contest in that by-election further reveals our weak political structure.

Yes, in a democracy one is free to enter or quit a political party. Yes, too, in a democracy anyone who meets the minimum stipulations of the Election Commission is free to contest.

But behind both above scenarios lies a defining truth whether a nation is maturing in its democratic governance or merely window dressing the fundamentals that ensure humanity progresses along the tested and proven promises of democracy.

Hence, Anwar who is now on the beaten path of becoming Malaysia’s eighth prime minister must address the stated two curses that undermine democracy’s maturation in this our third world rated country that is at the cusp of reaching developed world status.

One, he must redeem democracy as it is enshrined and upheld in all developed democratic nations.

Two, party-hopping among leaders, especially when their original bandwagon is heading downhill, must be curbed.

Such scavenger or parasitic political practices speak volumes about a lack of principles. Otherwise, we might as well bring back Barisan Nasional to govern. Best regards to Anwar.

J. D. Lovrenciear Kuala Lumpur