PRN Melaka: power is in the hands of the Malays

The 2008 general election saw a swing and over ten years till 2018 the Chinese abandoned Barisan Nasional and began supporting Pakatan Rakyat. But only when the Malays abandoned Umno in 2018 was Barisan Nasional finally ousted.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Oxford University has given me a month to submit my essay to earn my ten credits to add to the 50 which I already have.

The essay I have been given is: “Identify the main elements of democratic political systems and suggest ways in which they might be undermined. You may refer to your own country and/or a number of countries.”

SEE THE “WIND OF CHANGE” VIDEO BELOW

As I ponder on what to write, Scorpions’ 1990’s power ballad “Wind of Change” is blasting away in the background on my super-speakers. I have both glaucoma and a 45% hearing loss. Hence, technically I am half-blind and half-deaf. So, what is ‘just nice’ for me may burst your eardrums.

Back in the early 1980s, I had already been diagnosed with hearing loss. Since I was in my early 30s, the doctor was quite surprised that I had the hearing of someone in their 80s or 90s.

So I expected that if I live to a very ripe old age, I might be both deaf and blind before I go to my grave. Not much reason to live to 100, is it?

As I stare at my computer, my mind wanders to Malaysia and the soon to be held PRN Melaka, or the Melaka state election. I have been involved in politics for about 45 years now. That means 45-years of my time has been ‘wasted’ on politics. In the end, what have I achieved?

Anwar was the first KATAK when he abandoned the cause and joined Umno in 1982

In the 1970s, we got involved in politics for a reason. I must admit that Anwar Ibrahim and his ABIM were the main catalyst to make me abandon my drinking and discoing and turn to Islam. I learned how to recite the Qur’an and did my first Haj when I was 31.

In Mekah, I participated in the Iranian-organised anti-Saudi and anti-US demonstration. I became convinced that the Shia were better than the Sunni — politically that is, because I did not care much about the differences in doctrine between the two sects.

In short, I became convinced that Islam is not a religion but a political movement, something most Malays would disagree with. Islam is not about praying and fasting but about political activism.

When Anwar abandoned the cause and joined Umno in 1982, I considered his blood as halal. He was not only a frog or katak but murtad as well.

It was not until 16 years later in 1998 that Anwar was punished for his betrayal. Karma had finally caught up with Anwar and he was paying for his murtad.

The end of an Umno-Bersatu alliance, with PAS caught in the middle, means the end of Malay political power 

In 1999, when Parti Keadilan Nasional (now PKR) was formed, we saw that as a golden opportunity to hurt Umno and Barisan Nasional. PKR could help split Umno and Barisan Nasional and maybe even defeat it in the general election, especially since PKR was in a coalition with DAP, PAS and PRM.

But the 1999 and 2004 general elections were disasters — mainly because only the Malays supported Barisan Alternatif, and DAP had failed to attract the Chinese voters.

The 2008 general election saw a swing, and over ten years till 2018 the Chinese abandoned Barisan Nasional and began supporting Pakatan Rakyat. But only when the Malays abandoned Umno in 2018 was Barisan Nasional finally ousted.

Chinese support alone is not enough — only when the Malays split 50:50 was Pakatan Harapan successful in ousting Umno-Barisan Nasional

The 95% Chinese support in 2008 and 2013 was not enough to help Pakatan Harapan win the two general elections. It was the Malays who helped the opposition come to power in 2018.

The general election result in 2018 proved that even if 100% of the Chinese vote opposition, that would still not be enough. You needed to split the Malays 50:50. If 30% of the Malays vote opposition (meaning vote PAS as well) while 70% vote Barisan Nasional, the opposition would never come to power.

In short, if Umno and PAS unite, then Muafakat Nasional (or Perikatan Nasional) would be in power. But if the Malay votes are split 50:50, then Umno and Barisan Nasional are doomed.

Hmm…maybe this can be the gist of my Oxford essay: “Identify the main elements of democratic political systems and suggest ways in which they might be undermined. You may refer to your own country and/or a number of countries.”