Redefining the Struggle

It has been more than half a century since this great nation declared its independence and its freedom from the shackles of colonization. In the course of achieving independence, the Alliance was formed through the thoughtful co-operation between the original team of UMNO, MCA and MIC. The Alliance was a dominant force in emerging Malayan politics. In 1957 Independence was achieved with resounding applause from all citizens of the then-nascent Malaya. In 1963 the addition of Singapore and the states of Borneo increased the multiculturism and multiracism of this great land. Despite being divided by a forbidding sea, our two halves were joined by the desire to unite with a view of celebrating our shared past, and our shared struggles. No doubt, the racial composition of the two lands were very much different. Malaya was populated by a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian. Singapore was populated by a majority Chinese population. Sabah and Sarawak were populated by indigenous tribes with a smattering of Chinese, Indian and Malays. It was a happy existence.

In due course of time, however, the happy halcyon days that this newlyborn nation was used to, soon faded into the past. In 1965 Singapore was seceded. The May 13 tragedy of 1969 cast a dark pall on the future of this land. Many leaders became cowed and afraid of the repeat of another May 13. In 1974, Barisan Nasional was formed, in part to incorporate the opposition parties at the time into a coalition government. Then, as now, there was a sense of urgency to unite and strengthen the ties of solidarity. The National Front, or Barisan Nasional as it was known, had a noble goal of representing both pro-government and opposition parties. Its use of weighing scales was meant to show the balance between the members of the Alliance, and the other member parties of the National Front.

Today the National Front, or Barisan Nasional, seems to be lost. It is seeking a direction. What was originally intended to be a balance between the voices of the Alliance, and their detractors, has become a tool to subsume the voices of opposition. In the end, the opposition political parties which joined the BN became one with the other members of the BN. They lost their voice, and with that voice, their bite. In short, they lost their power to convince the Malaysian voting public, that they were still effective. Instead the National Front of today seems to be steered by its chairman: UMNO. UMNO has become the predominant voice within the Barisan. Indeed the lineup of the Barisan Nasional has evolved to reflect the lineup of UMNO's top exco members.

Today the question that must be asked is: Where is the Barisan Nasional government headed? What are its aims? How will it remain relevant, and therefore elected, for the next 50 years? There must begin to emerge from the morass of conflicting ideas and convoluted politicking, some coherent direction, acceptable to all and shared by all. It will be easier to start with common aspirations: better economics, free education, free healthcare, better immigration policies, boosted microlending and microfinancing, fair competition laws, abolition of oppressive and archaic laws, allowing greater freedom of expression, whistleblower laws, implementing consumption taxes, establishing a human rights court, etc. A declaration of Barisan's aims and goals, with corresponding target dates for achievement, can be drafted up by the architects of our nation's bright future. Let this declaration be not racial nor religious in tones. It is easier to identify the lacking elements in our laws and policies, and implement measures that can aid in achieving our nation's lofty goals, rather than to dwell on past achievements.

Society is changing. Politicians must change, along with the changes that take place around them. If politicians and policy makers insist on getting things done "their way" without regard for the ordinary man in the street -- and, ultimately, the man with the vote -- then they are seeking to lose in the next elections, and can only be considered as an unsuitable choice as a partner. When will these changes take place? If you imagine that change will come if we wait long enough, you are mistaken. Change will not take place unless we initiate that change. Let us be the agents of change. Yet despite our recognition that change is necessary, let us be not so quick to jump ship. Can we change the direction of our vessel? Let us consider this question. Unless we try, we will never know. Therefore, it must be acknowledged that efforts to bring about material changes in our circumstances -- law, politics, and policies -- must not only work outward, but also inward. An organization, unless it is in tune with the desires of the members of the public, will quickly fall into obscurity, or even worse -- become ignored.

The question is, what will the content of the new agenda be? And is the revamp of an age old political body possible? As I have earlier stated, it is possible. Even an old dog can learn new tricks. It just takes a little more effort, and a little more desire.