“We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation”
Tunku Abdul Rahman, 1903-1990, 1st Prime Minister of Malaysia
The state elections held in Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan have posed more questions rather than providing answers.
Undoubtedly, in terms of figures and outlook, the big winners were Perikatan Nasional (PN) who won an astounding 146 state assembly seats out of the 245 seats up for grabs.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) managed to cling on to 80 seats while its new partner in the Unity Government, Barisan Nasional (BN) had to settle with only 19.
Among the PN components, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) asserted its dominance, winning 105 out of 127 seats it contested, with a win rate of 82.60 per cent.
The effectiveness of PAS was only bettered by the PH component, Democratic Action Party (DAP) which obtained a 97.87 per cent win rate, winning in 46 out of 47 seats contested.
In analysing this further, the other parties, not even PAS fellow component party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) which was seen to make significant inroads has breached the 50 per cent win rate mark.
This showed that the politics of extremism, where Malaysians are divided at the very ends of the political spectrum, are rampant. But then again, there will be those who will say that this is a simplistic view.
It is no secret that PH, particularly the DAP is viewed as promoting a progressive and liberal agenda.
PN, particularly PAS on the other hand is seen to be pandering to the conservatives, promoting an agenda that is more Islam-centric in its ideals.
There is now enormous support for both sides. As the DAP would previously boast that they are having the full backing of the Chinese community, it is not too far to suggest that PAS, at the moment, could similarly boast that they have the Malays firmly supporting them.
During the run-up to polling day and in their campaigns, PAS heavily doubled down on the 3R issue which is race, religion and royalty. The presence of prominent nationalist and former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at PN ceramahs have only kicked things up a notch.
The DAP, are similarly guilty in pandering to the same sentiments, claiming that the way of life of the non-Malays would be affected if PN takes charge of the administration in their states.
There’s no escaping the complexities of the 3R issue as it is engrained and sewn in the fabric of the society. It represents a dilemma by both sides – the Malays and the non-Malays.
The Malays are clamouring that their special status and status quo are being challenged while the non-Malays are demanding for equality. It is a never-ending battle in terms of ideals.
It has been this way for some time but the thing that changed today is that there is no longer any middle ground.
During the height of the BN administration and the dominance of UMNO prior to the 14th General Election (GE14), there was a coalition with the ideals as well as the political influence to quell the issues from both sides.
It not only was able to provide a middle ground in the scheme of politics, but it was able to do so without pandering to Malay-Muslim ultras despite UMNO being a Malay-based party.
Presently, there is a void in the middle of the political spectrum with UMNO and BN’s waning influence.
BN now is seen as a political vehicle to serve the interests of a few rather than the interests of the entire population.
Like it or not, Malaysia is now dominated by the type of political savagery that only divides rather unite as it appears to be the only means to being in power. This has to change. But it won’t be easy.
With the state elections concluded, it is time that the leaders and supporters from both parties to tone down their rhetoric.
Undoubtedly the federal government must take the lead in pacifying both sides of the spectrum. This is through delivering the promised reforms as well as policies that not only sounds good on paper, but also can have the desired impact.
It is a long and winding road to get back to where we were to being a stable, united and prosperous nation. But no doubt we will get there.
We need to find similarities with each other, rather than differences, as well as support a narrative that co-existence is crucial if we want to move ahead as Malaysians.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
