Time to Take Stock
(From theSun, 28th December 2012)
Former President of the United States Bill Clinton would use a Nasa-loaned moon rock, carbon-dated 3.6 billion years old, to help him gain perspective on things, saying, “We’re all just passing through, take a deep breath, calm down, let’s see what makes sense.” (FT Magazine, 14 Oct 2011).
As the year draws to a close and a new one is about to begin, people will gather with friends and family around the country, conversations centred around generally two items: new year resolutions, and the 13th General Elections – one more predictable than the other.
Political campaigning has already begun, which will only escalate in the new year, lasting up to the day of polling (which has to be held at the very latest by 27th June 2013). Some Malaysians may be excited at the prospect of a dynamic elections, whilst others may be simply exasperated, hoping to get on with their lives without excessive ‘politicking’.
Whichever category we belong to, some perspective might be useful in weighing out how we are to respond intellectually and emotionally to events that are to come.
In 2008, Malaysia witnessed an unprecedented election outcome. For the first time, the Barisan Nasional coalition lost its two-third majority since independence, and the Pakatan Rakyat opposition gained control of five states (Perak was later wrested back by Barisan in a long drawn-out constitutional battle). Over the last almost five years, we have observed the sometimes messy unfolding of democratisation, and the reaction of people unused to such lack of certainty or clarity.
Despite the ugly personal swipes and butt-shaking, we ought to also recall the many accomplishments that have taken place precisely during this period. Public discourse on policy matters ranging from economic affirmative action, education policy and civil service reform is flourishing. Malaysians are flexing their mental muscles as they taste the possibility of reshaping policy from the condition it is in today.
The Pakatan coalition either through direct action or political agitation contributed to the Federal government abolishing the Internal Security Act, commemorating Malaysia Day on 16th September (now a national public holiday), and implementing a minimum wage, amongst others. Several Pakatan states have also blazed the trail in their Freedom of Information Enactment and recognition of native customary land rights for the Orang Asli, which ought to be considered by Barisan states.
Today more than ever, public expectations of their governments and their officers are high, and rightfully so. It is not so ridiculous to expect a transparent process where Ministers and their family members do not benefit from political position; that public funds are used for their intended purposes; that there is equal opportunity provided to all Malaysians alike.
In this political competition, the balance struck between the people’s demands and what alternate governments have to offer combine to produce the best possible outcome of efficient public service delivery. Because of 8th March, both sides have to now compete on the value of their policies and actions to voters who now have a choice, as parties are forced to be more responsive to an electorate that have the freedom to be more demanding.
At the same time, voters should also be responsible and more forward-thinking in their demands, calling for what benefits all Malaysians as a whole rather than retreat to their particular community’s wants, or engorge themselves on the unhealthy fast food of purely short-term policies with no long-term value. Greater thought and reflection is needed as to what eventual consequences each demand would result in.
It is therefore important that whilst the campaigning takes place, the rest of us are not silent watchers but pro-active participants to the political and policy process that will shape the future. Malaysians must use this opportunity to evaluate based on the election manifesto (and other policy documents) developed by either side which positions they identify with, comparing that against their achievements or failures in the past, and making a choice based on these.
In fact, political participation does not take place just once every five years, but continuously throughout the years in between, hence voicing out expectations needs to be done on a constant basis through collective action.
So the rigour of two political coalitions sharpening each other ought to be viewed positively because this relationship offers the best backdrop for civil society to educate the public of their rights and duties as citizens. It is only through education, after all, that we empower and awaken our minds – without which we would continue depending on government to provide all the solutions.
And so, before the frenzied year begins, it is hoped that the calm before the storm will provide some valuable time and perspective on the often detested political dramas, that in fact these are necessary for the healthy development of an active, robust democracy. Voters no longer form the mere docile audience of the political stage-play; whether we like it or not, we are fully complicit and part of the game. We might as well exercise our existing right as participants, based on the full range of options available to us (reading, writing, speaking, campaigning, joining a community group, teaching, and finally of course, voting). Finally, Merry Christmas and here’s to a fulfilling new year ahead to all Malaysians.
Dedicated to the late Tun Lim Keng Yaik. May he rest in peace.
