Democracy is about voting and it’s about a majority vote. And it’s time that we started exercising the democratic process.
– Debbie Stabenow, US Senator
As I write this on Tuesday morning, Nov 22, it is still unclear which coalition has the numbers to form the government.
Party leaders and their cohorts are still in deep discussion to form an alliance while others who are furious with their leaders for the poor showing in the just-concluded elections have turned rogue.
From the manoeuvres of our political leaders in the early hours of election night till today, what can we conclude?
Let me say it as it should be said. Many of our political leaders are opportunists and their decisions are dictated by their greed and egos, not guided by the sacred covenants of the democratic process or their better conscience (if they have any).
All they want is power and position; their declared promise to the electorate that their interests comes first is actually last on their list of priorities.
Just look at the speed the leader of a coalition which did not obtain the most number of votes came out to announce that he has the numbers to form a government by cobbling together groups of MPs with similar vested interests.
To me, such callous acts by those elected to represent the people are a no-no. What most of us feared before the polls has returned to haunt us. We are back to square one. The change many voted for has not materialised.
Malaysians have been taken for a ride again. How could this be happening? The answer is simple.
As I’ve written in recent days – “Don’t expect anything to change if the same players are still around”.
These so-called leaders just refuse to go away despite them being way past their shell life politically? Why, because they had it so good in politics, being given coveted positions and enjoying their lavish salaries and perks; so much so that they do not know any other career other than politics.
Why, even a 97-year-old former prime minister contested again. Not only that, he also thinks he could return as the PM for the third time. I doubt anyone believes that is going to happen except himself. Poor fella – I actually sympathise with the old man and have no intention to mock him.
Then, all the top leaders of the main coalitions are in their seventies. Why, are there no younger, more energetic and capable people in their parties to take over? We also have an opposition party president in Sarawak who is 80.
I must seriously ask these veterans what else they could possibly contribute to the nation that they were unable to when they were in power in their 40s or 50s. I do not expect a sensible response from them!
The hung Parliament was not unexpected. In fact, a hung Parliament is a normal scenario in other parliamentary democratic systems.
According to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption, the results of GE15 show that Malaysians now have a different and more mature way of making the right decisions.
“This difference is not a symbol of instability, rather it is an unusual situation that has brought us to recognise the uniqueness of democracy,” the group said in a statement.
However, the group acknowledges there is a need for a government to be formed as soon as possible, adding that the newly-formed government must be one that truly performs, serves the rakyat, and support the mandate of change for a more robust and dignified Malaysia.
The concerns of Sarawakians about PAS playing a major role in the new government are real and valid. Leaders of the Islamic party are known for their extreme views on the beliefs and faiths of other communities. Worse, PAS expect others to kow-tow to them on matters of race and religion.
This is unacceptable to Sarawakians who are moderate people who cherish and practise racial and religious tolerance and harmony. This is also why PAS has never won a single seat in Sarawak where it has a presence for many years.
I am very wary of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang who, with his extreme brand of Islam, is a clear and present danger to Sarawak and Sarawakians.
According to Sarawak Report, Hadi is the vice-president of an organisation, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, that has been branded as a “terrorist organisation” even by Saudi Arabia.
In Sarawak, our Muslim brethren take care to behave inclusively and moderately and to tolerate non-Muslim customs, including the use of alcohol.
I join my fellow Sarawakians in saying a big “No” to PAS. I have no desire to be associated with the party in any manner or any form.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
