Malaysian politics: Enter, the Third Force
Some social and political observers view the term, ‘third force’, as a reference to various NGOs, planned or unplanned, which are linked to the same agenda, with the same claims and views. Other political observers feel that the ‘third force’ is a coalition of independent voices fighting for an agenda, not related to any opposition party or the government, although their voice may lean towards a specific quarter. Meanwhile, others say the ‘third force’, without a symbol and slogan, could represent a group of people disappointed by their former parties; those who are more vocal and have the ability to influence a silent majority with ideas and views, contrasting with those of political parties.
Is the ‘third force’, a necessary entity in the country’s political scenario?
If so, who are they really? Are they people who were let down by their former parties, or those claiming to have embarked on a new struggle? Or, merely a non-governmental organization (NGO) aimed at enlivening the situation, including street politics?
Some social and political observers view the term, ‘third force’, as a reference to various NGOs, planned or unplanned, which are linked to the same agenda, with the same claims and views.
Other political observers feel that the ‘third force’ is a coalition of independent voices fighting for an agenda, not related to any opposition party or the government, although their voice may lean towards a specific quarter.
Meanwhile, others say the ‘third force’, without a symbol and slogan, could represent a group of people disappointed by their former parties; those who are more vocal and have the ability to influence a silent majority with ideas and views, contrasting with those of political parties.
In the current local political development, talk of a ‘third force’ came about, following a sequence of events involving the termination of former PAS official Datuk Dr Hasan Ali as a state executive council member, who is expected to form NGO Jati as a new ‘third force’.
However, what will happen to earlier NGOs such as the Konsensus Bebas Parlimen (made up of four independent members of parliament), Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) and the Dong Jiao Zong Association? Aren’t they also the ‘third force’?
Several political observers are of the opinion that the ‘third force’ is an entity with a concept not tied to Barisan Nasional (BN) or the opposition, but instead, acts to complete, observe and voice out issues, if necessary.
This trend differs from the post-independence era when the ‘third force’ was mainly represented by writers and teachers associations which came forward with suggestions to help facilitate the administration of a new country.
According to Universiti Utara Malaysia College of Law, Government and International Studies lecturer Mohamad Faisol Keling, the presence of a ‘third force’ was critical in ensuring the transparency of decisions and policies taken by BN or the opposition.
Mohamad Faisol noted that BN and the opposition must realize the ‘third force’ was the ‘by-product’ of dissatisfaction over policies of both sides of the political divide.
“For both quarters, besides the community, they need to reassure the ‘third force’ because of its big impact and ability to influence a win after the elections,” he told Bernama.
Therefore, he said, the ‘third force’ should observe, analyze and voice out independent views on the actions of political parties, or voice out alternative ideas for harmony.
However, Mohamad Faisol noted, there were fears that some ‘third force’ groups might inadvertently, create a bigger split among the people and threaten existing unity.
“The community should be more detailed in evaluating the struggles of groups wanting to be regarded as ‘third forces’…this is because they may have hidden political objectives,” he reasoned.
Another analyst, Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Borhan, said ‘third forces’ were the result of various polemics and political and non-political problems that not only existed in Malaysia but in other countries, as well.
“From one angle, we see the ‘third force’ as a space to speak and prove that democracy has long existed, contrary to allegations by the opposition that the government restricts freedom of speech,” he said.
The Federation of National Writers Association (Gapena) secretary said the emergence of the ‘third force’ should not be merely linked to a disgruntled group or individual.
“The community needs to be knowledgeable and keep abreast on current issues in order to judge the role of the ‘third force’ as a balance between the government and opposition.
“Just as well, the ‘third force’ must play a positive role, make unity and harmony in a multi-racial community as its main objective, and avoid rash political criticism,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Selangor Joint Council of Volunteer Organisations vice-president Dr Ibrahim Ghaffar suggested the public take a more academic approach in evaluating the role of the ‘third force’.
He viewed the ‘third force’ as a group, independent of political influence, which had the biggest role to foster harmony and represent the people’s wishes and aspirations which were perhaps, otherwise, overlooked by political parties.
“It is undeniable there are groups or individuals who are honest and selfless movers of the ‘third force’, but there are also those who will take advantage for personal gains.”
Therefore, he said, points of similarities were important for the good of the ‘third force’ as differences would be disadvantageous.
“I also want to emphasize that in any matter, leaders must see to it that technology, development and infrastructure are balanced with spirituality and moderation to produce people, not robots,” added Ibrahim.
