Malaysian political reform must have a common purpose

Mark Tan, The Malay Mail

Almost everyone would agree that there is a necessity for political reform in Malaysia. Sadly, any step towards reform is met with ‘Goliath-like’ obstacles. These obstacles, if not removed, would be detrimental to the nation in the long run. With this in mind,  the following paragraphs discusses what these obstacles are and how we can overcome them.

Malaysian Politics in a Nutshell

Malaysian politics is defined by self-interest and realpolitik. The first refers to a political reality that our vote is swayed by the question ‘what do I stand to gain?’ To express it differently, almost everyone votes for their own pockets. Political parties on either side appeal to the masses by giving handouts and freebies. To name a few, the electoral manifestoes prior to GE13 revolve around the expansion of the BR1M, the increase of fuel subsidies to decrease fuel prices, and the abolishment of the PTPTN loan scheme.

Malaysian politics is becoming increasingly dominated by populist agendas. Both the ruling coalition and the opposition seem to be competing to be like Santa Claus, striving to fulfill the wish list of the masses. This is especially so during the general elections.

Realpolitik refers to a political practicality; that every policy, decision or action is a carefully crafted choice of political leaders to appeal to their power base. Race-based politics is an example of such an appeal. The fact that several political parties are delineated along racial lines, UMNO, MCA, MIC and DAP (often associated with the Chinese), make what I am saying almost self-evident.

Even though certain policies may prove to be controversial, for example, maintaining that the word Allah is for the sole use of Muslims, it is not as important as securing their mandate to govern. This ‘mandate’, of course, stems from their power base. It seems that keeping the power base happy is higher on the priority list than that of the welfare of the entire nation.

Malaysian Politics at an Impasse

The political realities has lead Malaysia to a political impasse where no true and lasting progress is possible. Voting out of self-interest without regard to the common good would allow Malaysia’s economic, social and political ailments to remain uncured. For example, the increase of fuel subsidies may reduce one’s daily living expenses, but if no concrete plans are laid out to resolve inflation or to encourage economic growth, it would only be a short-term gain in exchange for a long term loss. In the long run, a shrinking economy or corrupt governance would negatively impact both present and future generations of Malaysians regardless of their individual background.

The appeal of political parties to their power bases which are largely divided along racial lines would inevitably give rise to racial tension. In Malaysian realpolitik, race-based politics is nothing but a means to secure the vote, a means to gain or keep the support of the power bases. This may, at best, result in unnecessary anxiety among citizens and at worst, lead to racial conflict. A classic example would be the May 13 incident of 1969.

This political practicality of race-based politics risks the  polarisation of Malaysia into communities delineated by race and political instability may ensue. The more polarised Malaysia becomes, the more difficult it is to achieve racial unity. This seems to be more so the case with each passing day where unity seems to exist only in inspiring Merdeka day advertisements.

Malaysian Politics at a Crossroad

Malaysian politics now stand at a crossroad between a seemingly unending regression and the hope of progress. But progress is an empty word without a compelling common purpose that unites all citizens for various racial, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Is there such a common purpose? Yes, and despite our distinctive races, cultures and religious beliefs, Malaysians share an overlapping consensus of a good society. This is made manifest in the Rukunegara which values social cohesion, the preservation of a democratic way of life, the equitable distribution of wealth and resources and the appreciation of Malaysia’s lmulticulturalism. These values should serve as the public purpose of our entire nation. Our politics must be rooted in the common vision of the Rukunegara.

Civic virtue inspired by the Rukunegara should replace pure self-interest. Privileges are attached with our citizenship but so too are duties and responsibilities for the common good of Malaysia. This is what we as citizens often forget, we claim our rights but often at the expense of forgetting our obligations. Through civic virtue there is a prioritisation of the common good over an individual’s or a sectarian good.

As for political parties, it would be difficult (if not impossible) for them to avoid realpolitik. Political parties are like tailors, their policies are ‘custom-made clothing’,  based on the ‘measurements’ of their clients.  In other words, their power bases must always be pleased for them to stay in power. This reality cannot be changed, but may still be worked to the advantage of the common good. For if civic virtue is the voters’ priority, this too would become the priority of political parties.

Hence, the hope of a just, fair and prosperous Malaysia lies not so much in the hands of politicians, but in the hands of every single Malaysian citizen. This is a practical step, a step that all of us can take. The question then is whether we are willing to take that step towards civic virtue? The first is a step outside our very own self-interest, and the second is a step backwards; to see the bigger picture of what would constitute as the common good of all Malaysians.