A smaller victory for BN, a bigger one for Malaysian democracy- The Malaysian Insider
MAY 7, 2013 — A system which results in an 80 per cent turnout, where there are no more fixed deposits, where there is a healthy opposition voice in practically all the states and where the popular vote is almost evenly split between the two coalitions is not a sign of a system in distress.
Just because change does not happen in a discrete, “Arab Spring”-type of way, but in a slower, more continuous way does not mean that change does not happen at all. It is not necessary for change for a challenger to win an election, only for the will of the people be made clear to the incumbent.
Probably for the first time in decades, a real democracy has been established in Malaysia. Following on from 2008, the 13th general election has confirmed the emergence of a genuine, broad-based national two-party system that is here to stay. Contrary to popular belief, the Malaysian voter has demonstrated her belief in the democratic process, in change that does not disrupt the very existence of the nation, of punishing those with a racial agenda and rewarding those with a vision.
To argue that just because the big winners are Umno and the DAP, that the country is now divided politically on racial lines is simplistic. Many of the wins of both of these parties would not have been possible without multi-racial support. In fact, the disastrous showing by the other race based parties in BN, Perkasa being decimated and the less than satisfactory performance of PAS, points to a popular rejection of religious and racial extremism.
If Umno does not recognise this and ups the ante on racial rhetoric even further on the back of its so-called rejection by other races, it risks losing the support of all others except for a diminishing base of racial chauvinists. There are difficult choices to be made by both coalitions on the back of these results.
Are they really viable coalitions at all? If BN is now Umno and their east Malaysian partners only, what is their core appeal to voters in the future? What unites Pakatan Rakyat as a viable alternative, given the disparities between the ideologies and the electoral results of its partners? Should Umno and the DAP go it alone nationally, or should they jettison their racial legacy to lead largely secular, truly 1 Malaysia coalitions with competing visions of progress, justice and social harmony? Will true moderation in all things political become the cornerstone of Malaysian democracy?
Given the above, in the coming weeks some radical modifications in the nature of Malaysian politics are in the offing. This is true change, visible to the population on how these two coalitions see the future of Malaysia. Even bigger is the impact or reduced individual and party majorities on Malaysian democracy.
When politicians need to perform to be re-elected, expect more debates, more arguments and more thought through decisions. When people are involved, outspoken and fearless, expect politicians to behave better. Expect more pressure on the Election Commission for clean and fair elections, more pressure on corruption and more pressure on the judiciary.
Gone are the days of gratitude and supermajorities. Those who perform are retained, the others thrown out. A moderate approach that aspires to inclusive economic growth, safety, social cohesion and mutual respect are the new mandate from the people that really matter-the electorate. This is an awkward victory for the prime minister, a straightforward one for the rakyat.
From politicians telling the people to “Listen, Listen, Listen”, it is finally their turn to do the same. Now and for a long time to come.
Just because change does not happen in a discrete, “Arab Spring”-type of way, but in a slower, more continuous way does not mean that change does not happen at all. It is not necessary for change for a challenger to win an election, only for the will of the people be made clear to the incumbent.
Probably for the first time in decades, a real democracy has been established in Malaysia. Following on from 2008, the 13th general election has confirmed the emergence of a genuine, broad-based national two-party system that is here to stay. Contrary to popular belief, the Malaysian voter has demonstrated her belief in the democratic process, in change that does not disrupt the very existence of the nation, of punishing those with a racial agenda and rewarding those with a vision.
To argue that just because the big winners are Umno and the DAP, that the country is now divided politically on racial lines is simplistic. Many of the wins of both of these parties would not have been possible without multi-racial support. In fact, the disastrous showing by the other race based parties in BN, Perkasa being decimated and the less than satisfactory performance of PAS, points to a popular rejection of religious and racial extremism.
If Umno does not recognise this and ups the ante on racial rhetoric even further on the back of its so-called rejection by other races, it risks losing the support of all others except for a diminishing base of racial chauvinists. There are difficult choices to be made by both coalitions on the back of these results.
Are they really viable coalitions at all? If BN is now Umno and their east Malaysian partners only, what is their core appeal to voters in the future? What unites Pakatan Rakyat as a viable alternative, given the disparities between the ideologies and the electoral results of its partners? Should Umno and the DAP go it alone nationally, or should they jettison their racial legacy to lead largely secular, truly 1 Malaysia coalitions with competing visions of progress, justice and social harmony? Will true moderation in all things political become the cornerstone of Malaysian democracy?
Given the above, in the coming weeks some radical modifications in the nature of Malaysian politics are in the offing. This is true change, visible to the population on how these two coalitions see the future of Malaysia. Even bigger is the impact or reduced individual and party majorities on Malaysian democracy.
When politicians need to perform to be re-elected, expect more debates, more arguments and more thought through decisions. When people are involved, outspoken and fearless, expect politicians to behave better. Expect more pressure on the Election Commission for clean and fair elections, more pressure on corruption and more pressure on the judiciary.
Gone are the days of gratitude and supermajorities. Those who perform are retained, the others thrown out. A moderate approach that aspires to inclusive economic growth, safety, social cohesion and mutual respect are the new mandate from the people that really matter-the electorate. This is an awkward victory for the prime minister, a straightforward one for the rakyat.
From politicians telling the people to “Listen, Listen, Listen”, it is finally their turn to do the same. Now and for a long time to come.
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