Shocking similarities in history
From downturn to a prosperous economy, Mahathir seemed to have drawn a conclusion: Malaysians would support the government so long as the economy was booming.
By LIM SUE GOAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily
Having studied the political changes taking place in the past one month, I have discovered some similarities with what took place during Mahathir's term.
Call that coincidence or anything else, but more likely than not, UMNO is bringing its past strategies back to life.
The greatest challenge during Mahathir's time was the party split in 1987. Although he eventually defeated Ku Li by a thin majority with the help of Najib, Mahathir once again came under the threat of Razaleigh-led opposition camp as well as PBS' sudden withdrawal from BN in the 1990 general elections.
Mahathir stayed calm and confronted the opposition fearlessly and resolvedly, not unlike the way Najib handles the situation in Perak today.
Mahathir announced that UMNO would make advances into Sabah, and managed to overthrow the PBS state government through annexation and redelineation of state constituencies, forcing PBS to rejoin the ruling coalition.
It is not going to be that easy now for Najib to buy into opposition forces, but the fact that Hindraf's former chief coordinator Thanenthiran was allowed to form the Makkal Sakti Party does denote some signs of split within Hindraf itself.
Into the nineties, Mahathir's Vision 2020 bore some resemblance to the "One Malaysia" concept mooted by Najib today, both carrying unmistakable political motives.
Besides, Mahathir implemented the "mini open policies," allowing foreign investors to hold 100% equity in export-oriented manufacturing companies. Najib, on the other hand, announced in April that the government would open up 27 service sub-sectors.
The open policies introduced by Mahathir at the depth of recession did help bring in some foreign investors to start the industrial development rolling.
From downturn to a prosperous economy, Mahathir seemed to have drawn a conclusion: Malaysians would support the government so long as the economy was booming.
While the Operasi Lalang in October 1987 was a blemish in Mahathir's administration, the achievements he sealed on the economic front has allowed BN to further consolidate its rein.
While drawing some inspiration from the history, UMNO leaders should perhaps also strive to hold up the economy. As such, as UMNO will continue adopting a hardline stance on Pakatan Rakyat, it will also push ahead open economic policies.
Mahathir managed to keep UMNO in power with his iron-fisted style; as the son of a former prime minister, Najib is not going to let his administration go down the drain just that.
Najib shares Mahathir's pragmatism and ideologies. There is one stark difference nonethelss.
Najib is more superior in diplomacy, for instance by showing goodwill gesture to non-Malay communities. He is not likely to repeat the aggressive slamming of Chinese associations making suqiu (appeals) as extremists.
Another thing where Mahathir pales by comparison is that Najib can "endure" for the sake of the overall situation, for example by not taking part in Penanti by-election.
UMNO's policies have remained largely unchanged over the years, even Abdullah's so-called open policies have been met with pathetic efficiency, not any affirmative shift in policies.
History could be ludicrous at times, but it always keeps repeating itself. While the tricks played are identical, will the outcome also be similar?
Perhaps the rakyat have had their own answers already.
