Whither multi-culturalism if PN captures Selangor, NS?
In 10 years, Malaysia will start losing its multiculturalism and move towards a theocratic state because the ruling coalition by that time may already have a two-thirds majority. This will make it easy for the Federal Constitution to be amended.
K. Parkaran, Free Malaysia Today
A narrow PH victory may point to a PAS-led coalition winning federal power in the near future.
Malaysian politics needs a thorough clean-up for the nation to get back on the path that many would prefer. Much of what is happening now point to impending problems in various aspects of our lives.
In this sense, the six state elections on Aug 12 could well be the barometer of Malaysia’s trajectory. Pakatan Harapan (PH) parties may claim that the results will not have any bearing on the nation’s future, but the truth is they most likely will.
Malaysia could well lose the last vestiges of its multiculturalism and end up as a theocracy. While many would rejoice if this happened, a large number of Malaysians fear losing their basic rights.
PAS can go on claiming that non-Malays will be treated equally if it comes to power but many Malaysians think that it is mere election talk.
They take this tone before every election but soon after that, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang goes on a spree in his columns in the party’s mouthpiece HarakahDaily saying only a Muslim government can ensure Malaysia’s progress.
Hadi continually blames most of Malaysia’s ills, especially corruption, on non-Malays. He makes it sound as if Malaysia will be a paradise if there are no non-Malays in government. Such a narrow and bigoted view from a man with ulama status defies logic.
Sometimes I wonder if the non-Malays in PAS and Bersatu are masochists. Despite being relegated to just a wing in both parties with no voting power and not being allowed to hold positions in the main committees, they go on the same stage with them to support their ideals.
They continue backing these parties despite the sanctity of their race and religion being repeatedly questioned.
Of course, a couple of them have been made senators and given positions in the local authorities. Could these be the reason that they are closing an eye to the insults?
Well, if there are takers, there will be givers with their own agenda. Some takers do not seem to mind being humiliated.
When Gerakan president Dominic Lau, was practically told to leave a PAS ceramah in mainland Penang, PN forgot he had sacrificed much of his pride and to an extent his honour, to ensure his party gives the coalition a multiracial façade.
A late apology after some leaders refused to say sorry may be too little, too late.
This is precisely the fear of many Malaysians, including a segment of Malays, on what PN would do if it governs the nation. The Islamic party’s constant condemnation of entertainment activities that are not barred by other religions is an example of its intolerance.
PAS has done enough to create a serious trust deficit. One can only imagine the changes in store if they lead the sweep into federal power one day. The question is will this happen?
I dare say the election results in the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang will be indicators of what’s in store for the country.
Let us take the scenario of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan falling after being hit by a green wave launched by PN. Many fear this will be the beginning of a PAS-led coalition winning federal power as early as the next general election (GE16).
If these two states fall, PH may win Penang only with a simple majority. However, PN might even take over the island state, which presently still retains a Chinese-majority, at the next election or in the polls after that.
The other scenario on Aug 12 could be PH retaining all their states but with a much-reduced simple majority. This will mean most, if not all, Malay-majority seats will be lost to PN in the PH-ruled states.
This can be taken as a prelude to a PAS-led PN winning central power at GE16 or a future election.
In 10 years, Malaysia will start losing its multiculturalism and move towards a theocratic state because the ruling coalition by that time may already have a two-thirds majority. This will make it easy for the Federal Constitution to be amended.
PN will also be helped by the population growth phenomenon where the percentage of non-Malays in Malaysia will be reduced drastically. It could dip below 20% in three or four decades.
In the event either of these happens on Aug 12, Malaysians should prepare to see the country move rapidly towards becoming an Islamic state, an intention openly announced by PAS. Whether that is good or bad for the nation, depends on how one is affected as an individual or a community.
On the other hand, if the status quo is maintained in the six-state elections with PH retaining its three states, this may be construed as a signal from Malaysians that the unity government is the best option for now.
As for Sabah and Sarawak, they would likely cooperate with whichever coalition holds power in Putrajaya, as long as they enjoy autonomy in terms of oil revenue, religious practices and immigration controls.
The results of the elections, especially in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang will certainly have a bearing on the future direction of Malaysia, the country that we all call home despite our diverse religious and racial backgrounds.
