Zaid Ibrahim calls on PR to prove they are a viable alternative

Since his resignation from government over differences in philosophy, the former Umno division chief has been courted by the Opposition to join their ranks. He has declined but has not hidden his admiration for the raft of issues they champion or for the tenacity of their icon, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

But Zaid's calling card has always been his willingness to call a spade a spade and yesterday while delivering a speech at a talk organised by the Institute of South East Asian Studies in Singapore, he had some words of caution for Pakatan Rakyat.

On March 8, Malaysians went in search of a viable alternative, he noted. The PR must show that it is that alternative. "Public infighting is not the way to go about that, yet this is what the PR has come to be identified with in recent days.

"The coalition needs to build on its common identity and provide for a common platform on major issues. Member parties must go beyond issues like the implementation of Islamic criminal law and concentrate on delivering on their collective message of social justice and compassionate and fair governance.

"In this, Pas, with its Islam-centric philosophy has to work harder to fall in line with PKR and DAP whose ideologies are more closely aligned. Whether the ulamaks of Pas are able to make this concession will be a test not just of their own maturity but also of the cohesiveness of the PR.

"In short, the PR must show itself to be a real alternative to the BN way of doing things, " he said.

To be able to retain the states currently ruled by them, Zaid said that PR must offer more effective policies and initiatives when compared to those of the BN.

"It will not be sufficient for them to depend on the personality of their leaders. That may have been enough the first time round, but the voter expect more and rightly so. But I must emphasise here that Malaysians are a patient lot.

"They have been patient with Barisan Nasional for so many years and I am sure they will be patient with Pakatan Rakyat as well."

He said that it will "be enormously helpful for Anwar to change his grandstanding ways". Proclaiming dates of anticipated takeovers without the ability to follow through merely distract and detract.

"Anwar should instead focus on getting PR together as an entity with one coherent vision for the country. He has after all, the support of the rank and file of all the parties in Pakatan Rakyat, although not necessarily some of its leaders."

He also had some words of advice for Pas. For the coalition to stay viable, Pas' approach on governance and public policy where Islam is a factor must show sophistication and restraint.

"Though Pas ideology has all the elements for an inclusive and pluralist society built on a foundation of justice and fairness, it has sadly become more known for its opposition to alcohol and concerts, and its fixation on implementing Islamic criminal law.

"The reality is that non-Muslims are also affected by declarations on so-called Islamic matters, particularly where these coincide with matters in the public sphere. As such, a culture of non-discrimination and consultation must be nurtured for the good of the country…To showcase its
vision of an inclusive Islam, Pas could take the lead in forging solutions for those problematic so-called conflicts issues.

"The reality is that there will be persons who converted to Islam for marriage and whose marriages have broken down or ended by reason of death or divorce. Some of them will want to find comfort in their original faiths. Leaving them unaided by hiding behind jurisdictional issues, as we have seen, or by proclaiming the beauty of Islam does not address the situation and the
pain of those concerned, " he noted.

Zaid pointed out that political players in Malaysia have to accept the reality of a new Malaysia where people seem to have found unity and comfort amongst themselves, and where the young are having a bigger say in the direction of the country.

"Malaysia is like many other countries where the young will ultimately determine the nature and course of politics. The people have shown their abhorrence for greed and abuse of power. The people have shown that they want to be together as one community. They have shown that they prefer pragmatic discourse.

"Half of Malaysia's population is below 35. These youngsters are eager for change, for a politics of idealism and honour. They want public officials to be more accountable, or at least, for a political process that is less corrupt and dirty.

"They want their leaders to be in tune with their needs, they demand security, remedies to their problems and social justice. Though still relevant, ethnicity is no longer a critical factor. The young are less susceptible to the instigation of racial hatred and prejudice. They want change. This is something that both sides of the divide must take note of. At the next general election, there will be another 4 million young voters who will determine the titanic struggle," he said.