Letter to editor
OF late, I am sure every Malaysian has heard whispers and rumours that the 15th General Election (GE15) is around the corner.
This time around, the political scenario looks like a free-for-all and it could be anyone’s ball game in the end.
However, based on the results of recent by-elections, it looks like Barisan Nasional (BN) seems to be the front-runner. However, we cannot draw conclusions from the by-elections as there were numerous mitigating factors, including the poor turnout of voters.
From years before to what it is today, BN is a far cry from its days of glory. Also, from a 10-component party coalition, it is now down to only four.
Apart from UMNO, as a voter, I do not foresee MIC nor MCA making any new headway in GE15. Both parties are merely lame passengers riding on UMNO.
What BN would need to do at this point is to rebrand itself with some fresh, new blood which does not come with much political baggage.
Back then, there were still multiracial parties like Gerakan and PPP (People’s Progressive Party) in the BN coalition, but today, BN seems to be more Malay-eccentric than multiracial.
Today, especially with Undi-18, voters are no longer what they used to be and there is so much more liberalism and open-thinking among them.
Entering the race relying on race-based parties is certainly not going to win it for BN, especially with the likes of PKR which is multiracial on the other end.
It is time for BN to open up and allow the entry of new blood, especially multiracial parties into its fold.
Parties like newly-formed Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) and the likes which are helmed by leaders of numerous races – and of course many youngsters – is what BN would need to win over voters.
Voters have had enough of the same old faces and want to see young leaders who are able to reach out to the future generation, especially the Undi-18 voters.
Malaysia is moving away from race-based politics and that is why BN needs to rebrand itself and be more open to welcome change.
Women and youth power must not be taken lightly given BN needs political allies which are built on these foundations.
Also, from the point of a voter, it is good that PBM has a number of members from Sabah and Sarawak which makes it all the more appealing for voters from across the board.
There should no longer be any racial distinction as in line with the Keluarga Malaysia and it should be an election for all Malaysians from all races, cultures and beliefs.
Christopher Nathan
Subang Jaya
