Bismillahirahmanirahim
Assalamualaikum wbt.
Would Malaysia gain 'merdeka' or independence without coalition based politics?
I would venture that not only Malaysia would not have gained independence but the very future of a better Malaysia, a democratic Malaysia and an equitable Malaysia lies with coalition based politics.
In fact Malaysia can only have a coalition government as no single party can have a majority in parliament unless in this country of endless possibilities, UMMO decides to contest all seats even in Sarawak; and manages to win a simple majority assisted by multi-billion dollar political donations.
However, if the electoral mathematics remains unchanged then true coalition politics demands cooperation and consensus building as a key 'first principle of politics' meaning that a common objective and policy must supersede individual party's hierarchy of objectives and ideology - the interest of the rakyat or citizens must come first.
It is also important to note as a background and context to our nation's political development that in a multiracial population, a communal centric voting district arrangement were used to rationalise the birth of race based political parties that formed the coalitions of ‘Perikatan’ or Alliance in 1954 that later evolved to become ‘Barisan Nasional’ or National Front after losing for the first time the popular vote in 1969.
It is this race based or communal politics that has unfortunately defined Malaysian politics today but I believe it has reached the limit of its utility and efficacy in today's global world that requires political parties to be inclusive and pluralistic.
What is more insidious is that race is used as a justification by the ruling elite to continue using racist rhetoric to concentrate power and wealth at the expense of the majority. This argument of race supremacy using politics of fear and hate creates a siege mentality, a victim narrative, a dependency relationship which borders on neo-colonialism and fascism. Added with a religious superiority complex makes national politics toxic and divisive.
Both the Race and Religion cards are used extensively to maintain power along with a menu of draconian anti-democratic laws such as the Sedition Act and the current favourite Section 124B of the Penal Code with a loosely defined 'activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy'.
What is 'parliamentary democracy' here in Malaysia when the parliamentary system and the principles of separation of powers are constantly undermined and does not reflect the will of the people?
In my Parliamentary speech on the 11th Malaysia Plan, I had explained that because of Poor Governance, Lack of Check and Balances, Leakages and Corruption CAUSED by this Race-Based neo-colonialist Political hegemony – resulted in Malaysia having a GDP Potential Loss of 500% or we have lost 5 times what our economy should be.
The GDP-Gap between Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore in the 1960’s were relatively on the same level but even when Malaysia is resource rich (with oil, gas, rubber, tin and palm oil) compared to the other two, we only managed to earn a 2014 GDP per capita of USD10,804 versus South Korea’s USD28,101 and Singapore’s USD56,319.
And when we look at income and wealth inequality, Malaysia has an Income GINI index of 0.401 and a Wealth GINI index of 0.518 and a Financial Asset GINI index of 0.901 (where an index of 0 means equal with zero gap) then where has all the national wealth gone to?
When we have 54% to GDP national government debt when added with contingent liabilities making our total debt by some estimates at almost 70% GDP along with 18 years of Fiscal Deficits then who has greatly benefited from this?
When 80% of the 7 million households majority being Malays earn less than RM3,000 per month qualifying them for government handouts BRIM and when 72% of 8.6 million Malays account holders holding an average of RM554 of Amanah Saham Bumiputeras or Unit Trusts compared to 0.2% holding an average RM725,122 or 1,308 times than the majority – illustrates the Income and Wealth Gap between the Malay ruling elite class and the majority still poor Malays – who are told time and time again that only UMNO can protect and develop the Malays.
This is the sad state of UMNO’s race-based political rhetoric between Reality and Propaganda, the rich ruling elite Malays are getting richer while the majority poor Malays getting poorer in spite of BRIM even with before GST.
However, there is still hope for an inclusive and pluralistic society which was loudly demonstrated in Malaysia by a massive 'Yellow Shirt' people's rally that was in contrast to a subsidised 'Red Shirt' racist rally which is just a last gasp of identity politics abuse by the ruling elite.
What is more unfortunate is that this need not have happened when the opportunity to build a multiracial and non-communal political ecosystem was not taken up early by our founding fathers.
The opportunity for a diversified and inclusive political ecosystem can be seen much early here when several multi-racial parties were formed with UMNO's founder Dato Onn Jaafar''s Independence of Malaya Party in 1951 followed with his Parti Negara in 1953, various state-based Labour Parties since 1951, Partai Rakyat Malaysia in 1955, Sarawak National Party in 1961, Gerakan in 1968, DAP since 1965 and Parti KEADILAN Rakyat (PKR) since 1999 continue to offer an alternative to race based parties.
As for opposition coalitions post-independence in 1990 Parti Semangat 46 formed a 'dual opposition coalition' configuration with two coalitions, Gagasan Rakyat coalition with the Democratic Action Party and Parti Rakyat Malaysia and The Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah coalition (APU) with the Muslim parties PAS, BERJASA, HAMIM and the newly formed Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress(KIMMA).
This was later followed with Barisan Alternatif (BA) in 1999 and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in 2008; like all marches to freedom and democracy this trajectory of history can never be stopped when 52% of voters seem to agree in the last general elections.
From such multiracial opposition political parties to the various evolution of opposition coalitions, we have a rich tradition and experience of political alliances in all forms across all political spectrum.
And we also appear to affirm Joseph Schumpeter's creative destruction axiom as Pakatan as it was is no more. We must learn from this episode and move up the learning curve faster.
So if coalition politics is here to stay then what is next for the opposition parties?
Formal political alliances are common with temporary electoral pacts being the minimum form of political cooperation or what some here have named it an 'opposition bloc' rather than an 'opposition coalition' in the making.
The future of Malaysia will be shaped by how well all opposition party leaders understand that effective political coalition demands consensus and compromise that must be anchored on the Federal Constitution and universal democratic principles, otherwise it becomes unfeasible and untenable.
And a better future for all Malaysians can be achieved if our fellow 47 patriotic BN parliamentarians from Sarawak and Sabah like the 47 Ronins of Japanese lore who fought and died for keadilan rakyat or justice leaves BN to form their own independent coalition with us, then the promise of Merdeka and Malaysia will be fulfilled.
Indeed if civil society namely Bersih 4.0 can rise to the challenge of a Malaysia in crisis by uniting regardless of race and religion for our common good then we in the opposition 'bloc' must equally do so.
The moment is now.
"Mudarat besar melanda negara perlukan sepakat yang membawa berkat berasaskan keutamaan maqasid dan amanah bersama. Ini ujian politik besar kita. Buang yang keruh ambil yang jernih dan dengan penuh keyakinan mencari kebaikan dalam semua perkara. Ini adalah satu-satunya harapan membina Malaysia yang lebih sejahtera".
Faced with a nation in its greatest crisis, we must unite based on immediate priorities and to fulfill the trust of the people. This is our greatest political test. Discard the past and look to the future in faith with all that is good. It is our only hope for a better Malaysia.
Therefore it is our sacred duty to put aside our differences and reset our efforts to rewrite like a blank sheet of paper what must and can be done together to build a better coalition.
First, we will only succeed if we are able to offer and re-frame our National Narrative that all citizens are Malaysians first united under a common vision with our Federal Constitution as the 'aqadun daulah' or 'nationhood contract'. Race based politics is no more an option for imagined race supremacy, anti-democratic and neo-colonialism purposes. Our diversity as a people in one nation is our very soul and National Identity. It is our strength not our weakness.
Secondly, we have to demonstrate our sincerity and capability to lead and govern as a Federal Coalition Government as much as we are governing Selangor, Penang and Kelantan states, with a clearly defined economic, political and social National Reform Agenda that includes participatory democracy, free and fair elections, free media, separation of powers, true federalism, inclusiveness and providing equal opportunities to redress income and wealth inequalities are foundational to our reform agenda.
Lastly, we will only succeed if we apply humility, respect and sincerity as the tone of our approach to coalition building. We must go beyond narrow interest and use our collective wisdom from our rich political coalition experience.
On 22 September a round table meeting among key opposition parties may decide if it is a bloc, coalition, electoral pact or just a divided opposition.
On 22 September will be our moment of truth if we continue to deserve the support and mandate to lead all those that have shown what 'Yellow' is and what 'Red' is not.
On 22 September will be our day of reckoning if we move together towards a common future or remain stuck in a self-made political prison of the past.
Finally, a coalition by any name or configuration is just a means to an end which must be a Better Malaysia for All and I end with a quote from Anwar Ibrahim; “Let us put aside all other considerations and differences, and focus upon this great struggle to save Malaysia.”
Thank you.
Assalamualaikum wbt.
Would Malaysia gain 'merdeka' or independence without coalition based politics?
I would venture that not only Malaysia would not have gained independence but the very future of a better Malaysia, a democratic Malaysia and an equitable Malaysia lies with coalition based politics.
In fact Malaysia can only have a coalition government as no single party can have a majority in parliament unless in this country of endless possibilities, UMMO decides to contest all seats even in Sarawak; and manages to win a simple majority assisted by multi-billion dollar political donations.
However, if the electoral mathematics remains unchanged then true coalition politics demands cooperation and consensus building as a key 'first principle of politics' meaning that a common objective and policy must supersede individual party's hierarchy of objectives and ideology - the interest of the rakyat or citizens must come first.
It is also important to note as a background and context to our nation's political development that in a multiracial population, a communal centric voting district arrangement were used to rationalise the birth of race based political parties that formed the coalitions of ‘Perikatan’ or Alliance in 1954 that later evolved to become ‘Barisan Nasional’ or National Front after losing for the first time the popular vote in 1969.
It is this race based or communal politics that has unfortunately defined Malaysian politics today but I believe it has reached the limit of its utility and efficacy in today's global world that requires political parties to be inclusive and pluralistic.
What is more insidious is that race is used as a justification by the ruling elite to continue using racist rhetoric to concentrate power and wealth at the expense of the majority. This argument of race supremacy using politics of fear and hate creates a siege mentality, a victim narrative, a dependency relationship which borders on neo-colonialism and fascism. Added with a religious superiority complex makes national politics toxic and divisive.
Both the Race and Religion cards are used extensively to maintain power along with a menu of draconian anti-democratic laws such as the Sedition Act and the current favourite Section 124B of the Penal Code with a loosely defined 'activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy'.
What is 'parliamentary democracy' here in Malaysia when the parliamentary system and the principles of separation of powers are constantly undermined and does not reflect the will of the people?
In my Parliamentary speech on the 11th Malaysia Plan, I had explained that because of Poor Governance, Lack of Check and Balances, Leakages and Corruption CAUSED by this Race-Based neo-colonialist Political hegemony – resulted in Malaysia having a GDP Potential Loss of 500% or we have lost 5 times what our economy should be.
The GDP-Gap between Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore in the 1960’s were relatively on the same level but even when Malaysia is resource rich (with oil, gas, rubber, tin and palm oil) compared to the other two, we only managed to earn a 2014 GDP per capita of USD10,804 versus South Korea’s USD28,101 and Singapore’s USD56,319.
And when we look at income and wealth inequality, Malaysia has an Income GINI index of 0.401 and a Wealth GINI index of 0.518 and a Financial Asset GINI index of 0.901 (where an index of 0 means equal with zero gap) then where has all the national wealth gone to?
When we have 54% to GDP national government debt when added with contingent liabilities making our total debt by some estimates at almost 70% GDP along with 18 years of Fiscal Deficits then who has greatly benefited from this?
When 80% of the 7 million households majority being Malays earn less than RM3,000 per month qualifying them for government handouts BRIM and when 72% of 8.6 million Malays account holders holding an average of RM554 of Amanah Saham Bumiputeras or Unit Trusts compared to 0.2% holding an average RM725,122 or 1,308 times than the majority – illustrates the Income and Wealth Gap between the Malay ruling elite class and the majority still poor Malays – who are told time and time again that only UMNO can protect and develop the Malays.
This is the sad state of UMNO’s race-based political rhetoric between Reality and Propaganda, the rich ruling elite Malays are getting richer while the majority poor Malays getting poorer in spite of BRIM even with before GST.
However, there is still hope for an inclusive and pluralistic society which was loudly demonstrated in Malaysia by a massive 'Yellow Shirt' people's rally that was in contrast to a subsidised 'Red Shirt' racist rally which is just a last gasp of identity politics abuse by the ruling elite.
What is more unfortunate is that this need not have happened when the opportunity to build a multiracial and non-communal political ecosystem was not taken up early by our founding fathers.
The opportunity for a diversified and inclusive political ecosystem can be seen much early here when several multi-racial parties were formed with UMNO's founder Dato Onn Jaafar''s Independence of Malaya Party in 1951 followed with his Parti Negara in 1953, various state-based Labour Parties since 1951, Partai Rakyat Malaysia in 1955, Sarawak National Party in 1961, Gerakan in 1968, DAP since 1965 and Parti KEADILAN Rakyat (PKR) since 1999 continue to offer an alternative to race based parties.
As for opposition coalitions post-independence in 1990 Parti Semangat 46 formed a 'dual opposition coalition' configuration with two coalitions, Gagasan Rakyat coalition with the Democratic Action Party and Parti Rakyat Malaysia and The Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah coalition (APU) with the Muslim parties PAS, BERJASA, HAMIM and the newly formed Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress(KIMMA).
This was later followed with Barisan Alternatif (BA) in 1999 and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in 2008; like all marches to freedom and democracy this trajectory of history can never be stopped when 52% of voters seem to agree in the last general elections.
From such multiracial opposition political parties to the various evolution of opposition coalitions, we have a rich tradition and experience of political alliances in all forms across all political spectrum.
And we also appear to affirm Joseph Schumpeter's creative destruction axiom as Pakatan as it was is no more. We must learn from this episode and move up the learning curve faster.
So if coalition politics is here to stay then what is next for the opposition parties?
Formal political alliances are common with temporary electoral pacts being the minimum form of political cooperation or what some here have named it an 'opposition bloc' rather than an 'opposition coalition' in the making.
The future of Malaysia will be shaped by how well all opposition party leaders understand that effective political coalition demands consensus and compromise that must be anchored on the Federal Constitution and universal democratic principles, otherwise it becomes unfeasible and untenable.
And a better future for all Malaysians can be achieved if our fellow 47 patriotic BN parliamentarians from Sarawak and Sabah like the 47 Ronins of Japanese lore who fought and died for keadilan rakyat or justice leaves BN to form their own independent coalition with us, then the promise of Merdeka and Malaysia will be fulfilled.
Indeed if civil society namely Bersih 4.0 can rise to the challenge of a Malaysia in crisis by uniting regardless of race and religion for our common good then we in the opposition 'bloc' must equally do so.
The moment is now.
"Mudarat besar melanda negara perlukan sepakat yang membawa berkat berasaskan keutamaan maqasid dan amanah bersama. Ini ujian politik besar kita. Buang yang keruh ambil yang jernih dan dengan penuh keyakinan mencari kebaikan dalam semua perkara. Ini adalah satu-satunya harapan membina Malaysia yang lebih sejahtera".
Faced with a nation in its greatest crisis, we must unite based on immediate priorities and to fulfill the trust of the people. This is our greatest political test. Discard the past and look to the future in faith with all that is good. It is our only hope for a better Malaysia.
Therefore it is our sacred duty to put aside our differences and reset our efforts to rewrite like a blank sheet of paper what must and can be done together to build a better coalition.
First, we will only succeed if we are able to offer and re-frame our National Narrative that all citizens are Malaysians first united under a common vision with our Federal Constitution as the 'aqadun daulah' or 'nationhood contract'. Race based politics is no more an option for imagined race supremacy, anti-democratic and neo-colonialism purposes. Our diversity as a people in one nation is our very soul and National Identity. It is our strength not our weakness.
Secondly, we have to demonstrate our sincerity and capability to lead and govern as a Federal Coalition Government as much as we are governing Selangor, Penang and Kelantan states, with a clearly defined economic, political and social National Reform Agenda that includes participatory democracy, free and fair elections, free media, separation of powers, true federalism, inclusiveness and providing equal opportunities to redress income and wealth inequalities are foundational to our reform agenda.
Lastly, we will only succeed if we apply humility, respect and sincerity as the tone of our approach to coalition building. We must go beyond narrow interest and use our collective wisdom from our rich political coalition experience.
On 22 September a round table meeting among key opposition parties may decide if it is a bloc, coalition, electoral pact or just a divided opposition.
On 22 September will be our moment of truth if we continue to deserve the support and mandate to lead all those that have shown what 'Yellow' is and what 'Red' is not.
On 22 September will be our day of reckoning if we move together towards a common future or remain stuck in a self-made political prison of the past.
Finally, a coalition by any name or configuration is just a means to an end which must be a Better Malaysia for All and I end with a quote from Anwar Ibrahim; “Let us put aside all other considerations and differences, and focus upon this great struggle to save Malaysia.”
Thank you.
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