Consensus Pakatan-style

FMT LETTER: From Shaun Yap, via e-mail

Anwar Ibrahim always boasts about how things are done based on consensus in Pakatan Rakyat, unlike in Barisan Nasional where things are done according to how Umno wants it done with never a care for what the other component members or non-Umno parties in Barisan Nasional have to say about it.

With regards to the ‘Allah’ word controversy, some in DAP are opposed to the ban on the word being used by Christians while the rest maintain an elegant silence, knowing that anything they say is just going to make matters worse. And, as the late Tun Ghazali Shafie used to say, the silence is deafening.

PAS is clearly divided on the matter with the liberals saying that they see no harm in Christians using the Allah word whilst the conservatives (who hold real power in the party) are strongly opposed to Christians using the Allah word.

Now His Majesty the Agong has spoken up, which is consistent with the titah (royal decrees) of many of Their Highnesses the Rulers as well. And PAS stands behind what His Majesty (plus what Their Highnesses as well, of course) has decreed. And that is the Allah word is taboo or haram to non-Muslims.

Anwar has two stands regarding this issue. Personally, as a Muslim, he too shares what the Rulers have decreed. However, as the Opposition Leader, he does not see the harm in Christians using the Allah word. In other words, as far as Anwar is concerned, it is yes and no both at the same time.

So, does Pakatan Rakyat have a consensus? And if so what is the common stand?

But of course Pakatan Rakyat has a consensus. And the consensus is they have agreed to disagree. They agree that they do not agree on the matter and they agree that they will continue to disagree. Hence they already have a consensus.

Listening to and reading about Pakatan’s understanding and application of consensus makes for comic relief. Unfortunately in trying to resolve the many issues that confront us, this is no laughing matter.