Regardless of who wins, an election should be a time for optimism and fresh approaches.
– Gary Johnson, American politician
How I wish I am in sync with what US politician Gary Johnson has surmised in one of his more notable quotes – “Regardless of who wins, an election should be a time for optimism and fresh approaches.”
In an ideal situation, a fresh election is about changes for the better, in terms of putting more caring, humble and responsible politicians into office with the high expectation of better plans of action for the people and nation.
We expect those elected to keep their word and fulfil their promises. If that does not work out, then an election is nothing but a white-wash, a waste of valuable time and resources.
So yes, an election ideally should be a time for optimism and fresh approaches. But sadly, the political situation in the country today is far from ideal.
Politics in Malaysia has sunk to its lowest today; it is messy, dirty and, even out of control. We do not know who is actually in charge because there is no party or coalition which commands the majority in Parliament.
All we have today is what I would describe as “a flimsily cobbled government of convenience” which lacks a mandate from the people.
The administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today is a government hanging by a thread. No surprise when this is a government appointed by royal command and not a democratically elected one.
Ismail Sabri’s six-month-old government is still around, thanks largely to a MoU of support from the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition.
That Ismail Sabri is not the president of a political party but only a vice-president of Umno makes his position even more precarious. For the first time, we have a prime minister who has a boss to answer to in his party.
The government is in danger of falling anytime, especially now that the row between Umno and Bersatu is out in the open with the Johor election in progress.
Key leaders of the two parties have been at each other’s throats since the campaign started on Feb 26 and has intensified as polling day nears.
We are now aware of the deep-rooted animosity and differences between Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the two top Umno leaders Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, as evidenced by the repeated attacks fired at each other.
The open warfare between these adversaries is real and ruthless. Allegations and accusations are being hurled at each other, so personally toxic at times that it seems the Johor election is a do-or-die battle for them.
This is only a state election. What can we expect come the 15th general election with these political enemies still among the main players? Will all hell break loose then?
One Johor election issue which gave me a good chuckle is the concerns by Najib’s opponents of the people’s adulation for “Bossku” during the campaign.
Such concerns about “allowing a convicted felon to roam freely” are more associated with envy and jealousy, if I may be straight. It is true in a way that Bossku has not lost his aura.
Perhaps we should also remind ourselves that not all thieves and robbers are considered evil and they are not necessarily hated. Think Ali Baba, Robin Hood and Bonnie and Clyde. Therefore, it would do them good to just shut up and ignore Najib’s presence.
The Johor election aside, Malaysians must be taken aback with the allegation in Parliament last Monday, March 7, by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the current government does not respect the Constitution or the laws passed by Parliament.
He said those in power appear to be doing as they please without regard for the rule of law.
An example, he claimed, was properties “gifted” to former prime ministers Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi worth RM100 million and RM70 million respectively.
“Our country must return to the rule of law. The rule of law is very important because if there are no such rules, then this House cannot even convene,” Dr Mahathir said.
That Malaysians are jaded, fed-up, frustrated and disillusioned with politics and politicians is not without good reasons. The people are suffering from the loss of jobs and businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic but our political leaders are still squabbling non-stop.
Now, toxic politics of the personal kind has emerged to give Malaysian politics a messier, dirtier mix.
Right now, I have zero confidence and trust in the current crop of so-called political leaders. I want a fresh start with sober, untainted, efficient and responsible people at the helm. What about you?
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
