'New Politics' rough road ahead for M'sia - Malaysiakini

"New Politics involves universality and the lifting of sectarian borders, while at the same time maintain the identities of each major ethnic group," said Universiti Malaya ethnic and racial politics lecturer Noor Sulastry Yurni Abdullah.

According to Noor Sulastry (left), New Politics as espoused by the likes of Deputy Higher Education Minister Saifuddin Abdullah is an idea that should have been practiced a long time ago.

More recently, she said the 12th general election served as a reminder that political change is necessary in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, no real or substantial political reforms were undertaken since the 2008 general election.

Noor Sulastry however stressed that both the society and the political leadership must give their full support to the concept to ensure the success of this new and much awaited political culture.

Society is ready

"In my opinion, the society has already been ready for it ever since the transition of power brought by the 'tsunami' of the 12th general election," said Noor Sulastry.

"The peoples' votes is very telling about their choices of which government they want to put in power."

Noor Sulastry agreed with the view that the society wanted New Politics to such an extent that politicians who still practice old politics would be booted out.

"They thirst for New Politics after years of being under the yoke of old politics."

Noor Sulastry argued the development of New Politics goes hand in hand with independent and alternative media.

"I think that the global rise in the role of alternative media is an important indicator of the development of New Politics."

This, she said, is not only happening in Malaysia, but neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, which has shown a marked increase in Internet users and blog readers.

"Society is ready, but the leadership must also be ready. The two must work in concert to ensure the smooth running of a country's administration," she said.

Noor Sulastry believed that "as long as there are leaders who are close-minded towards accepting this, New Politics will be but a fantasy".

She likened this process to Prime Minister Najib Razak's 1Malaysia concept.

Dodgy government practices

Noor Sulastry also cited political scientist Francis Loh, who explained that New Politics is about an administration which is decentralised, much akin to democratic federalism.

Loh had expressed hope that the recent political developments will favour a restructuring in the balance of power between the federal government and the states.

According to Loh, this restructuring could also act as a check on excesses and abuses on the part of the federal government, and promote better governance.

Other than Saifuddin, many others are voicing their views on New Politics in their own way.

Noor Sulastry gave the example of Pakatan Rakyat coalition advisor Zaid Ibrahim (right), who argued that old politics is no longer relevant in today's political landscape.

Noor Sulastry said that society wants a government which is more transparent and accountable.

However, issues such as corruption, misuse of power and the lack of transparency continue to be a concern, not only in political organisations but also the government.

This will hamper New Politics from truly becoming a reality, she said.