He knows nothing and thinks he knows everything. That points clearly to a political career.
– George Bernard Shaw, Irish dramatist
I believe that many politicians struggle to give an honest reply every time they are asked whether they are in politics to make a living.
So, what do they do? They will give you the standard reply which, in most cases, is a white lie but no one would admit it.
It is always the “I’m in politics to serve the people” answer. How mundanely obnoxious that is! While there is the rare exception – those who are genuinely sincere and passionate about helping others, the majority are in politics for themselves – that is, to survive.
Why is it so difficult for career politicians to be honest and say it upright, “Politics is my profession. It is my bread and butter.
It’s a job I depend on for a living”.
People know when we work as engineers, teachers, policemen, journalists or in the civil service, we are in it to survive. It’s our job. We work, we get a salary and with that, we feed ourselves and our children. We depend on our job for a living and attending to the needs of our loved ones.
But politicians find it almost impossible to concede that politics is a profession to them and that they are career politicians.
Why is this so?
I believe that in many societies, and right at home here too, the term “career politician” has acquired a negative connotation.
It implies that a politician is more interested in personal gain and power than in serving the public.
Admitting to being a career politician could lead to criticism and accusations of being disconnected from the concerns of ordinary citizens.
We are now in election mode with six state polls taking place on Aug 12. A total of 570 candidates were slated to run in 245 seats. Both of the two main coalitions, PH/BN and PN, fielded a full slate, with Muda running in 19 seats, PRM 13, PSM in four, and other parties three. There are also 41 independents.
Interestingly, as I tackle the subject of “Politics as a profession” here, researcher Bridget Welsh also touched on the matter in her analysis in Malaysiakini of the upcoming state elections.
She wrote: “The major coalitions are also opting to field candidates from within political parties. The majority of the candidates are from established political organisations. Whether political secretaries, working for political parties more generally or having served in political positions, the slate on offer is comprised of people who make politics their profession.
“This reflects the institutionalisation of parties and less willingness to embrace outsiders as political parties become more established, and more focused on their own in grooming and selecting potential candidates.
“In Umno, the party has fielded many divisional chiefs while in Bersatu, many of its candidates are recycled politicians, largely formerly from Umno. DAP and PAS are also fielding from within.
“Selangor has the most candidates with ties to political organisations or were/are politicians. This is followed by Negeri Sembilan, where Harapan-BN is overwhelmingly fielding those from within political parties. It is only in Kelantan and Terengganu where the number of politicians is lower.”
Bridget is correct. Most of the parties will be looking for candidates from within their ranks while outsiders do not stand a chance of being selected. Surely, opportunities are given to their “own people” to earn a living first.
In recent days, as I was discussing the factional infighting within the Penang DAP, I had also shared this message in chat groups:
“I’ve said that if you take up politics as a selfless service to the people and nation, you would have done your part after 10 years. After a decade, it’s time for others to take over.”
Unfortunately, politics is hardly about selfless service and a desire to better the lives of your fellow citizens. If it was about that, we would not see the fierce tussle among politicians, even within family members.
The more I observe our Malaysian politicians in action, the more I believe that “Politics is all about power and greed; most politicians are corrupt” is no longer a common misconception.
Only this past week, when a certain party announced that some dropped incumbents for the state elections would be compensated with exalted positions elsewhere, it really makes me sick to the core. It is all about receiving rewards, one after another, isn’t it?
Again, I guess it is only fair for me to qualify that there are also some politicians who enter public service with genuine intentions to make a positive impact and work for the betterment of society.
Sadly, again I have to state that there are more receivers and givers among career politicians. It’s a fact.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
