What Status Quo?

From The Malaysian Insider
By Brian Yap

APRIL 9 – The newspaper headlines were as delusional as ever, trying to paint the by-election results as a continuation of the status quo. The truth is that it’s anything but. The status quo is non-Muslims being afraid of PAS, not voting for its candidate more enthusiastically than the Malay community. The status quo is for a new administration to be greeted with enthusiasm, not rejection. And the status quo would have it that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad remains a political force.

This, as they say, is not your grandfather’s Malaysia and it sure as heck isn’t “status quo”. Still, despite being handed its worst electoral defeat in history, and despite losing by a bigger majority virtually every single by-election held since, Barisan Nasional leaders remain content merely talking about reform.

It’s only natural. After holding absolute power for so many decades, the coalition has become mired in its conventions and culture of patronage to the point that it is impossible for it to change direction … even if its future depended on it.

So the only way BN can reform, I believe, is for the coalition to become the federal opposition. Without power, the corrupt and insincere will leave, along with the influence of money. The conventions of power-sharing that make a necessary task like shrinking the Cabinet so difficult (I’m looking at you, MCA) will fall by the wayside.

Perhaps a little humility will emerge out of defeat. Just look at Taiwan’s KMT. In other words, for BN to change for the better and for a more dynamic Malaysia of the future, Pakatan Rakyat must win the next general election and form the federal government.

Let Umno and its BN partners continue on their path. Let us focus instead on what their rivals must do. In light of the controversies surrounding its leaders, some have called PKR the weak link in the PR coalition. There have been allegations of corruption, no shortage of disgruntled party members, and open infighting.

As the party with the most parliamentary seats, these things don’t reflect well on the entire coalition. However, I think it’s important to acknowledge that more than any other political party, PKR is home to a diverse cross-section of Malaysians. There are activists, NGO types and former Umno members. I’ve met PKR leaders who are staunch pro-free market libertarians and others who are practically socialists.

It’s the party of Zulkifli Noordin, Elizabeth Wong and Manikavasagam. The party of Syed Husin Ali, a man who has seen it all, and the much younger Loh Gwo Burne, who hasn’t, but was smart enough to record what he saw when it mattered.

In the past year, the party has seen a tremendous influx of working-class Indian Malaysians, while also trying to expand its relevance with the younger Iban community. Such diversity is difficult to manage. But do it right, and the party has the potential to be the first to represent all Malaysians, from Perlis to Sabah.

Yet, as the party grows both vertically and horizontally, there needs to be a set of core principles that will unite all its members and supporters. This, while still allowing for a vigorous and passionate competition of ideas, for open disagreement and dissent, and the contesting of positions.

The choosing of the Bukit Selambau candidate was a prime example of this. It’s natural to lobby to be a candidate, but when a decision is made, party leaders must be able to articulate to members why, while those who disagree must look at the larger picture.

As for PAS, Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin’s victory in Bukit Gantang is proof that many non-Muslims no longer view the party with fear or disdain. This is great for both the party and Malaysia in general.

But let’s not ignore the obvious. The candidate was a moderate who endeared himself to the voters by governing Perak fairly, without an overt emphasis on the religious and cultural issues that is often associated with the party.

And while I have nothing but respect for veteran opposition leaders like Karpal Singh, Datuk Hadi Awang and Lim Kit Siang, it is time they start preparing to take on a more advisory role. They have led their parties to great, unimaginable heights. But the next generation must come into its own by taking the central role in the next general election. Just like Dr Mahathir’s influence is clearly waning (except perhaps in the new administration) our tendency to revert to a feudalistic cult of personality must also end.

While Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is undoubtedly the qualified and deserved leader of the Pakatan coalition, the second-tier leadership must become even more visible if the coalition is to be a sustainable force in Malaysian politics. If true, the coalition’s decision to form a shadow Cabinet of sorts will make it easier for Malaysians to envision a PR government, while giving the individual parties the time to iron out the kinks and differences that remain between them.

But PR had best beware. With power comes those who will want access, such as corrupt businessmen looking to curry favour and other opportunists.

Among them are those who defended Umno’s actions in past decades but are suddenly changing their tune. Fighting such elements could very well be more difficult than defeating BN.

The parties that make up PR must be willing to spend their political capital by taking on such special interests, while rejecting its own leaders who are corrupt and inept or do not respect democratic principles. It must also do so quickly and decisively, and not let it fester.

This hasn’t been the case so far. Malaysians are watching, with our hopes held high. As PR gains leverage and influence, it must never forget where that strength truly comes from — the people. As we have shown, we have no qualms about rejecting or embracing any political party anymore, status quo or not.