PEOPLE, ISSUES & MENTALITY.
PEOPLE
Malaysia is unique for being a multi racial country with various religions, cultures & traditions.
Malaysia's three major races are Malay Bumiputras & other Bumiputras, Chinese & Indians (with minority Punjabis).
Beside the Indigenous tribes known as Orang Asal (the oldest inhabitants of this land), those accorded Bumiputras include non-Malay ethnic Thais, Khmers etc and the Natives of Sabah & Sarawak.
Malays, Chinese and Indians dominant the peninsula while the Native ethnics dominant the states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Other than the May 13 incident (racial riots), all races had been living together peacefully and harmoniously though different in religions, cultures & traditions, even ideologies.
The above are all Malaysian citizens with privilege to become legitimate voters upon reaching the minimum required age and registering with the Election Commission.
(Voter registration & voting have not been made compulsory in Malaysia).
Politically speaking - majority of Malays are members of Umno (main component party of the National Front), PAS & PKR (component parties of the People's Pact - the Opposition).
Majority of Chinese are with National Front's race based component parties mainly MCA & Gerakan and People's Pact component parties of DAP and PKR.
As for the Indians, most of them are with components of the ruling party mainly MIC and a few that were aligned to them, the DAP & PKR of the Opposition.
Since independence, they are the people who had landscaped the Malaysian political map.
They become precious to the politicians of the contesting devides whenever come the elections - be it the general election, by elections or state elections.
Politicians will do their best to gain their support and most importantly, their votes.
'Perks', 'goodies', pledges and promises are conviniently thrown at them in racing for political mileage.
The ruling party is more capable of dispensing 'perks & goodies' as compared to the Opposition. Being the Govt of the day, the ruling party had various 'means' at their disposals.
THE ISSUES
(In line with my topic of Malaysian politics, I will highlight issues with strong political sentiments or values).
1 - RACE
Why Race?
Unfortunately, race has been politicized especially in the 13th general election (GE).
Motives of which - perhaps, to out do their opponents.
For this purpose, I like to highlight one particular scenario.
Former prime minister for 22 years, Tun Dr Mahathir had publicly dubbed DAP supremo (Opposition leader) Lim Kit Siang, "an extremist racist" and said Lim is trying to make the Chinese hate the Malays in his bid to garner support.
"I will say it out as vocal as possible. Lim Kit Siang is a racist. Lim Kit Siang is a racist. Lim Kit Siang is an extremist racist".
Such call was made following Lim Kit Siang's move of leaving his Ipoh Timor constituency in Perak for Gelang Patah in Johore.
Gelang Patah is a Chinese majority constituency and Dr Mahathir claimed that Lim will convince/persuade the Chinese into hating the Malays.
(take note, Ipoh Timor is also a Chinese majority constituency)
Many had seen that as unnecessary & unwise talk what more, coming from an elder politician of this land.
Racism could have been used in GE13 simply because they lack in concrete issues to present to the people, lack in philosophy and lack in argument to justify their cause.
Such call can also sparks racial tension and threatens racial harmony of this country, if left unchecked.
Bearing relevance to race was the overplayed issue on the usage of the word "Allah".
Perhaps, GE13 was most 'heatedly' contested elections in Malaysian history, politician of all divides had never been more serious with racial tension almost at 'boiling point' and the mud slinging between contesting parties inclusive of their supporters making it unpleasant.
Sex, lies and pornographic videos aside - the one issue that had disturbed the sensitivities of many Malaysians more than of the above mentioned, is still, the usage of the word "Allah" by the non-Muslims (Chinese, Indians and Others).
Thus, this issue must be dealt with great care to refrain the same from becoming a substance towards racial disharmony.
Racial fear mongering tactics must also be avoided at all cost in future elections.
2 - CORRUPTION.
Critics had estimated it to cost the nation billions of ringgit annually.
The repeating of high-profile graft scandals linked to leaders in the Govt had annoyed not only the Opposition but majority of Malaysians. Likewise, the controversial projects and policies.
3 ) CRONYISM.
Simply - favoring friends, associates or even family members to positions of authority without appropriate regard to their qualification - that's cronyism.
Opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim had been vocal over the issue of cronyism in Malaysia and had stressed the need for Malaysia to put an end to cronyism and support market reforms.
"We have to stop this cronyism, we have to stop this awarding of billions of dollars of projects without tender", Anwar said on CNBC's "The Call".
Favoring business interests to members within the ruling coalition has been issues of discontentment not only to the Opposition but many Malaysians.
The Opposition and Malaysian public was also against the monopoly systems in this country.
Contracts and or licenses given to selected few, enriching them at the expense of the people.
One typical example of monopoly system is Astro - Measat Broadcast Network System.
Until today, there is none to compete in Malaysian direct broadcast satellite (DBS) pay TV service.
Its also a public knowledge that the issuance of the license was made to long standing friend of the former PM Dr Mahathir, Ananda Krishnan - No 2 in Malaysia's 50 richest - according to Forbes lists.
4 - INFLATION.
High cost of basic goods such as fuel and food.
Govt had, post GE13, reduced the Ron 97 fuel when widely are using Ron 95 especially the middle and below income bracket.
That has angered many Malaysians as the move was seen to reduce the burden of the wrong group - the high income bracket and the rich.
The People's Pact (PR) had made a firm pledge to reduce the price of fuel on the following day they become Govt during the GE13. That pledge was seen as a move to prevent continuous price hike of basic goods.
5 - CRIME.
There had been an increasing fear among the people over crime and personal safety following a steady increase in crimes.
This issue must be given a priority by the Govt of the day to give all Malaysians their peace of mind.
Nowadays, it's no longer about petty thefts or petty crimes.
In those days, robbers used to break into houses after they are convinced that no one available but now, they come in when people are around.
Thieves have turned thugs - robbing houses, restaurants, grocery stores and even clinics and boutiques in broad day light.
I came across a peculiar video in you tube how a robber walked into a boutique shop, made a purchase and paid for what he purchased.
Having received his change, he turned to the sales girl and robbed all monies in the drawer before hurriedly leaving the shop.
The video clip must be recorded by the shop's CCTV. Yes, in broad day light!
Just read the newspapers. More often than not, there are horror stories.
I believed, the only way to fight crime is by increasing manpower (policemen) and at the same time, have a more stern punishment for the criminals.
6 - ETHENIC RELATIONS.
Ethnic Chinese and Indians somehow are irritated with old policies which grant special privileges to majority Malay Bumiputras in the field of business, education and others.
When the People's Pact moved away from race base, offering equal rights to all Malaysians, from the Malay Bumiputras to Kadazans, the support and votes they gained in GE13 was like an endorsement, especially the non-Malays.
7 - ELECTORAL SYSTEM.
Critics, the Opposition and many Malaysians say it blatantly favors the Ruling Party/Govt.
In GE13, the EC was alleged with fraud and irregularities - from the issue of electoral roll to indelible ink.
The biggest joke was when the indelible ink becoming 'edible'?.
But joke aside for moment of truth.
EC's reputation is severely tainted.The issue of ink was brought to Parlament when PR's MP Rafizi claimed
Chief of EC has ties with suppliers of the indelible ink.
Malaysians are following this new revelation and look forward for truth to prevail.
Should there be any basis of truth to that, it will strengthen Malaysians' belief to the many allegations leveled at them during GE13.
There are many more issues with concern and of public interest.
Issues such as independence of the judiciary, selective prosecution, alleged oppression, alleged authoritarian to name some.
The case of a couple, bloggers Alvin Tan & Vivian Lee whom had insulted the Muslims and Islam
is an example which made certain quarters uncomfortable.
There is no question of punishing the duo. They have to be responsible and accountable for what they had done. I myself do not condone a wrong what more when it involves one's religion.
But when ex-judge Mohd Nor Abdullah and Malay rights group's Ibrahim Ali got away with hate speech, public is seeing it as being selective prosecution.
It's not the punishment of the duo that people are objecting but Govt's failure to charge persons committing similar offense angered the public.
If only Mohd Nor Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali were charged, there won't be allegation of selective prosecution and double standard.
Forget not, Zulkifli Nordin had insulted the Hindus by degrading their religion. Likewise, Ridhuan Tee Abdullah for deriding Thaipusam.
Now, many quarters demand that if the couple is charged, Govt must also charge Zulkifli Nordin and others.
These issues won't just die-off like that. It remains in the minds of those not satisfied with action by Govt of the day.
Come elections, they have reasons not to vote for Govt. So, can their rejection be termed as Chinese Tsunami?
In this respect, Govt of the day has to be fair with their action, without fear or favor so that when action is taken against the couple, no one can dispute it.
Another that had been the talk at Kopitiams during 'gossip hour' is on PM Datuk Najib's national reconciliation initiatives and Global Movement of the Moderates.
Taking what is taking place in campaigns for the Kuala Besut by-election, many opined that the initiatives are mere slogans for the naive.
Agriculture Minister Tajuddin Abd Rahman claimed that the DAP would turn Malaysia into a republic and that Karpal Singh would be installed as President of this land.
Some even suggest that Tajuddin's speech be sent to Global Movement or upload in the You Tube.
They questioned how could they, even in the holy month of Ramadhan have no qualms about telling blatant lies.Some are sarcastic enough by throwing a question "is that the mentality of BN leaders elected by the
rural voters?".
Note: To amend the constitution, a two-third majority is needed. DAP alone do not have the number of seats for two-third majority in parliament.
MENTALITY
Originated from the word "mental" which simply means "of the mind", thus how our mind work is our mentality.
How mentality is relevance here?
I wished to write how the minds of the electorate work when it comes to politics and their perception towards the process of democracy especially, the process of electing their Govt of the day, through a general election.
Political mentality between genders, age group, race & religion may differ.
A voter who has zero interest in politics may have a 'blank' head as which party he/she would vote until they reaches the polling table.
Believe it or not, what is happening around the polling station itself could influence them as to which party to vote. The crowds, the flags or even the party car that fetched them to the polling station could help them to decide.
I came across an elderly Indian man who confessed, in last GE13, his wife and all his children had voted the Opposition. He himself is not keen with Govt of the day but he has decided to give his vote to the National Front because he is a party member of the MIC.
Asked what is his position in the party, he replied "ordinary member".
To me, he is a party loyalist. His political mentality is, he would not vote any other than his party.
Political issues do not matter.
Another category is the "I don't care" attitude of voters.
A hawker trader at his early 40's when asked who is supporting replied, "whether its the National Front or the People's Pact - whoever rule - I am still a hawker! They are all the same and I don't give it a damn".
Another typical group are those who voted the party that they felt professes or suits with teachings of their religions.
In comparison to the last 30 or 40 years ago, the mentality of the people (especially in the rural) towards politics and process of democracy has changed, slowly but steadily.
Many elders in the rural had their young studying in higher learning institutions or universities.
Their young would share from time to time on the country's political scenarios.
Being parents, they take the words of their own children more than anybody.
Internets services that had penetrated into the rural too had provided them with an alternative source on news and information, other than the mainstream medias that they heard are always 'biased' to the ruling party in their reporting.
As awareness of acquiring credible information grew, people in the rural are turning to smart phones with internet plans.
The prepaid plan has certainly made it convenient for them as top-ups can even be bought from grocery shops.
Some of them became so obsessed with their new 'tool' and surfed not only the news portals but movies and all 'products' available over the internet.
The National Front leaders were quick to find suitable terminology such as the Chinese Tsunami for their rejection.
What they may have overlooked is the fact that awareness towards politics and the process of democracy had reached a commendable level.
Political mentality or mindset of the people have changed to a level where even 'goodies' can not 'buy' them.
It will be interesting to see the political mentality of Malaysian electorate in the next five years, that is the 14th general election.
Will National Front be dethroned come 2018 GE? Time will tell.
Mindset of Malaysian voters of next 5 years will not be the same as of the 1959.
Thus, it will be a big mistake for Govt of the day/the ruling party to insult their intelligence.
If they don't take bold measures to correct their wrongs (without fear or favor), until not only they are clean but seen clean - there is great probability it will be their turn to warm the Opposition seats in Malaysian parliament.
They can argue the above, if they are ready to "win the arguments but loss the sales"
A good govt is definitely a 'beautiful' govt, a 'beautiful' govt is not necessarily a good govt.
They can not change the voters - the voters can change them, No?
"...a great journey is never easy.. And no dose of adversity along the way is ever a waste of time if you learn and grow from it.."
* The End *
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