A Healthy Competition Turns Out To Be A Political Game

I thought the two-line system after the 8 March general elections could boost a healthy competition between BN and Pakatan Rakyat, but after five months, I found that most of the time, they were actually playing political games.

The new political situation did not bring the people much benefits was mainly because of the low political standard and the politicians were lack of rationality and political wisdom. From the regime fighting after the elections to the clamour in the Parliament, we could see the fierce struggle between the ruling and the opposition parties, as well as their intention of trying to please the public with claptrap.

I have two examples here to show that both the parties were lack of rationality and wisdom. The first example would be nine Pakatan Rakyat MPs covered the new Electronic Parking System (SLKE) machines with black plastic bags in order to oppose the implementation of the system.

The action did achieve publicity purpose but the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) simply ignored the protest. Pakatan Rakyat should use the right strategy to convey the public's opinion such as to submit a letter of protest signed by associations of various racial groups and residents to DBKL and the Prime Minister.

Another example would be Penang Gerakan Youth members put up six road signs in Chinese in order to “embarrass” the Pakatan Rakyat state government. But they were criticised by others, included Umno ministers. And eventually, they have indeed “embarrassed” themselves.

The two examples were both political actions that could reached media publicity but could not help in resolving the problems. Instead, they have turned out to be sensitive issues as the political environment was still dominated by racial mentality. Politicians took the opportunities to gain their own interests while the people have become the victims.

Politicians must have political wisdom and prioritise the country's interests. The talk between Umno and Pas has once again exposed the politicians' selfishness. The objective of such a talk was not for the country and the people, instead, it was for their own regime. Did those who joined the talk actually care about the country was a multi-racial and multi-religious country? Did they think of BN's principles?

In short, the ruling and the opposition parties must fully utilise the two-line system to eliminate racial politics, conservative thinking, theocracy and to improve the country's system.

(By LIM SUE GOAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)
source: My SinChew