TOUCHING a little on the UK history, because of the “Winter of Discontent” between 1978–1979, when the UK had a series of massive strikes organised by trade unions, the UK Labour Party was deposed in 1979 by the Conservative Party led by Margaret Thatcher.
Following the defeat, the Labour Party experienced internal upheaval, which damaged the party’s position among the public.
However, Neil Kinnock, took over as party leader in 1983 and he immediately initiated the moderation process. Kinnock’s successors as party leaders, John Smith and Tony Blair, carried on with this process.
In the 1997 general election, “armed” with the “New Labour” agenda, along with highly professionalised political marketing and a majority of youthful and female candidates, the Labour Party enjoyed a landslide victory.
Tony Blair was then appointed prime minister at the age of 43, after the Labour Party being out of power for 18 years.
Some of the reforms promised in their manifesto were implemented, such as assisting in the formation of an agreement between Republicans and Unionists in Northern Ireland, modernising the format of “Prime Minister’s Question Time,” during which the prime minister is required to answer questions from the opposition in person, holding referendums on the introduction of the euro currency and electoral reforms.
As a result, Tony Blair was re-elected prime minister again in 2001.
Because of their opposing ideals and political ideologies, the UK Labour Party will not join forces with the UK Conservative Party. Similarly, in the US, Democrats and Republicans will not get along due to opposing ideological beliefs.
Hence, the “New Labour” experience and approach should serve as a model for Pakatan to move forward and reform itself. They must realise that they are up against a formidable opponent that continues to garner significant support from other stakeholders despite massive public distrust.
And by signing the MOU with the Government, which UMNO is a part of, voters are confused and jaded. One cannot be faulted if they think Pakatan and UMNO are “twin brothers”. They feel duped because of the MoU.
Young voters are the key
Unfortunately, Pakatan leaders are still unable to see this. If they continue to remain oblivious to this, then be prepared for more electoral defeats.
On that note, I wonder why senior Malaysian politicians have problems retiring gracefully. Some old leaders refuse to quit even after being told to their face!
A competent leader will know when to step down and let the next generation to lead the party, like the UK Labour Party did.
Younger leaders are becoming presidents or prime ministers all around the world. President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium, Prime Minister Sanna Marin of Finland and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand are just a few examples.
International politics is currently at this paradigm shift and Malaysia’s younger population is anticipating such a change. The question is whether the Pakatan can match the expectations of young people who want to be active in state governance.
For the sake of the coalition’s survival in this country, its leaders must set aside their personal political interests but whether they are willing to look at the bigger picture is a million-dollar question.
But I take comfort that senior politicians are slowly and surely losing their influence among younger voters. The youngsters hold no emotional attachment to these leaders and are prepared take up the leadership mantle.
And this is where political parties like the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) can come in., provided they do not fall into the ways of politicians who should have retired 20 years ago but still hanging on. – April 19, 2022
R Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd (ARRESCON), a think tank specialising on strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
