IT IS time for all political parties to go their separate ways in preparation for the 16th General Election (GE16). The current arrangement – fighting for seats under one umbrella – is no more a viable proposition.
Dismantle Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and let the stand-alone parties go into battle – all armed with their respective manifestoes, ideologies, beliefs and dreams.
It is growing increasingly evident that the coalition formula is nothing but a sham because not a day passes by without one partner taking potshots at another in a never-ending drama of mutual recriminations.
All their squabbles – many petty, some serious – have overshadowed all the more urgent issues bedevilling the nation.
As always, race and religion figure prominently because this is all that matters in Malaysian politics.
Better to fight own cause
For far too long, political parties have been keeping the pretence that all is well in their coalition. But every so often they go hammer and tongs at each other in the public arena or in the courts.
It is pointless to maintain a united front when each party pursues its own agenda that undermines the coalition.
Hence, it is better for all political organisations marching under one banner to disband and publicly promote the interests of the respective races and religions in the country.
After all, national unity is a mirage because Malay-based parties – especially the dominant ones – are only keen on forging Malay-Muslim unity. They see non-Malays as threats to their privileges, rights and special positions who must never get a fair share of the cake.
With the parting of the way, each party can put up its own candidates in constituencies where the respective races are in the majority. There is no need now to play the game of swapping seats or giving up your seats for the sake of coalition unity.
No longer tied to the apron strings of coalition politics, non-Malay leaders can light up the stage with their polemics but all done within a legal framework.
The focussed, sustained theme that must run through their campaigns must be to fight for your race, your religion and with all your might and main to be treated as equal citizens.
Every fiery hate-filled speech from any Malay candidates must be met with equally vigorous and robust counter-attacks but done with a high level of intelligence, maturity and sensitivity.
Win-win preposition
In this unavoidably heated contest, all the parties will be taking different roads to power:
- UMNO – in a bid to recover lost ground – will most probably reignite the fight for Malay supremacy;
- MCA – always a weak partner in BN – will try its level best to reinvigorate itself to defend Chinese interests to the bitter end;
- MIC – a minion frequently sidelined – will want to rouse the anger and resentment of the Indian community against discrimination;
- PAS – with its fanatical spirit – will no doubt step up its campaign for an Islamic state; and,
- DAP – still a powerhouse – will tenaciously pursue its Malaysian dream.
PKR and Bersatu can separately aim for Malay dominance while other fringed groups can whip up whatever issues they can to advance their self-centred gaols.
But the main battle will be between the Malay-based parties and the other ethnic-based groupings. The former are birds of the same feathers who will close ranks when it comes to defending the predominant race.
The latter will have to fight doggedly for every vote from their respective community to ensure they get the solid backing to effectively articulate their cause.
When the battle is over and the dust has settled, the ideal political re-configuration should see the balance of power in the hands of the non-Malays.
The various communal parties can then present a solid front to whoever forms the next government (which undoubtedly would be Malay-centric).
In this new political landscape, the voice of the minorities will be heard loud and clear through the corridors of power.
Now, the non-Malays will be a force to be reckoned with because they wield enormous political power.
They can speak from a position of strength. They can call the shots. They can shape their own destiny. They no longer need to play second fiddle to Malay political masters. – Feb 13, 2025
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
