WHAT is the singular showing of the just concluded, much fought, six states’ election?
The bitter truth is the Malaysia Madani mantra has had not much, if none, tracking in the six states.
What has emerged is the unholy fact that race and religion do have a deeper impact on the political inclinations of voters.
Despite the allegations against key leaders and the repeated warnings to cleanse the nation of its ‘sakau’ scourge, the people cast three states (Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) into the palms of the opposition.
Despite the sudden and significant development budget allocations for Kedah and Kelantan from the unity leadership, the people thought, felt and actioned to give the deciding vote to PN (Bersatu-PAS).
Terengganu took the mantle with the largest voter turnout, registering a clean sweep majority for PN.
Even Penang did not petform as best as it did in the previous election.
And Selangor – the closest in proximity to the federal government, did not give what best down south Negri Sembilan presented.
The bitter pill that has to swallowed by all Malaysians is the fact that corruption, allegations, promises to be fair to all citizens, etc (as are contained in the Madani concept) are preceded by considerations of race and religion.
Perhaps Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was right after all, as much as urbanites (including right minded, human rights champions) may detest.
Race and religion are rooted in Malaysia.
The lesson is rather than preach tolerance or acceptance the time is fast approaching for us to anchor on harmony.
How do we ensure harmony given the fact that the two Rs will be the currency of future socio-political and socio-economic stability?
Political leaders must work at galvanizing their strategies to produce the most harmonising sermon of hope and conviction as the nation reels into its next biggest battle – GE16.
A party that succeeds in striking the most perfect harmony will emerge the champion to govern this nation.
Given the realities, made even more crystal clear in this election, harmony is what the nation most needs.
As in the lyrics of the song Perfect Harmony, ‘We come to life when we’re in perfect harmony’.
The catch phrase is not ‘tolerance’ or even ‘acceptance’ but harmony because race and religion are the proven roots of the political landscape of Malaysia, although this is a bitter truth to swallow. – August 13, 2023
JD Lovrenciear, an Aliran member, is a KL-based writer, trainer and consultant, who also offers his time to support initiatives to build a progressive society.