For more than 7 days, Malaysians had to endure roller-coaster ride they did not asked for. With day-to-day maneuvering as power-crazed politicians jostled for positions, the country is pushed to uncharted territory. The stock market reacted negatively. Much attention and resources were directed to the political uncertainty. The opportunity cost of such wastage is yet to be accounted. Not only that, the crisis caused further division in society already grappling with myriad of issues, from economic challenges to the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
What we have seen is a dark episode in the country’s history with elements of mistrust and betrayal as Malaysians watched unfolding of events in disbelief. It shows how fragile the PH coalition was during turbulent time.
At this juncture, we can conclude that those with the motives to throw out the PH government, split the PH component parties and prevent Anwar Ibrahim from becoming Prime Minister (at least for the time being) have been successful.
Now that the rule of PH-led government is short-lived and the new Prime Minister has been appointed, what will happen next? Dominated by Malay-based political parties, would the new government introduce more right wing policies? Would the much-needed institutional and structural economic reforms be at stake? Would the government be able to turn around the economy? If so, will it benefit the rakyat?
Concerned Malaysians wonder on the possibility of those facing corruption allegations would have charges against them dropped. Worst still, would there be a possibility that scandal-ridden leaders voted out in the last general election return to power, directly or by proxy?
However, with razor thin majority in parliament, the new government cannot afford to govern based on its own whims and fancies. Otherwise, the tide of public support will go against them. With no more than 3 years before the next general election, the government does not have much time to fix the problems facing society.
To be a good government and gain support from the rakyat, the government must focus on the following issues:
1. maintaining harmony and unity of our multi-racial society,
2. maintaining cost of living at acceptable level,
3. ensuring that allegations of misconduct and corruption are properly investigated according to the rule of law, regardless of political affiliations,
4. creating medium to high-skilled jobs thus addressing the mismatch between qualifications and job market,
5. reducing income and wealth disparity across ethnic and geographical areas, and
6. promoting social entrepreneurship based on technology
For a better Malaysia, it is imperative that all political parties make serious efforts to purge politicians with questionable integrity. Going forward, if there is continuous political imbroglio at the expense of people’s welfare, a better alternative with fresh politics for the rakyatto choose from could emerge, rendering existing political parties less relevant.
At the moment, one thing for sure though, with slim majority, the power struggle will continue. The parliament could turn into a circus when it opens for sitting. And the rakyat will be watching very closely.
