Lately, Malaysians got to see a rare side of the Barisan Nasional that they have not seen before. Never has the BN government been so agitated, and never has the BN been in such a state of denial before.
In the past BN had always come across as a fairly confident government - inefficient, lazy and very corrupt - but nevertheless with a long-standing system of administration and handling of state affairs.
Since the 2008 election, Malaysia’s administration seems to be on auto-pilot even though in April 2009, there was a change in prime ministers. But it looks like Najib Razak will leave office very soon and instead of the Father of Transformation title that he bestowed on himself, he will be remembered as the Father of Blunders. Just as his predecessor Abdullah Badawi is remembered as the Father of Sleeping Beauty for his habit of dozing off on the job.
These days, ministers in the Cabinet seem to be more politically vocal instead of concentrating on the affairs of state. There is a sense of unspoken fear that BN is about to go under. Ridiculous controversies are surfacing which are rather abnormal for this slightly conservative country.
Singling out Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim as the cause of the nation’s problems will not benefit BN one bit. It will not change the perception of the Rakyat (citizens), whether he is guilty or innocent. Crucifying him will only enhance his superhero status, and gain him added sympathy. The Rakyat is also disgusted at the overkill effect as not a day goes by without someone or other joining the bandwagon to voice their insane fear of Anwar.
In the last election, 47 per cent of the total vote went to Anwar's Pakatan Rakyat coalition. BN is on overdrive trying to reverse the trend. Pundits feel that at the rate BN is mishandling these controversies, it is sure to lose the plot.
Reforms, reforms, reforms
BN should stop the psychological warfare and start repairing their own dented reputation. If BN sincerely wants the people’s support, the carrot rather than the stick would be a better strategy.
One major factor is the classification of the Bumiputra status. Although it may have benefitted Bumiputras to a large extent, the continuation of this policy would only leave BN in a cornered situation. Non-Bumiputras who feels like second class citizens have no reason to support the current government. That is already a 35 percent loss of support. The Bumiputras are also split between UMNO, PAS and PKR which is detrimental to UMNO’s future.
It is not Anwar Ibrahim but BN's own out-dated policies that are giving the Rakyat an excuse to side with Pakatan. Former political secretary Matthias Chang is right, when he said BN advisors are political dimwits. After 54 years, all Malaysians should be accorded first class citizenship. But instead of taking away the Bumiputra status, BN should accord the same status to all Malaysians so that everyone can share the cake. That in itself would be a major psychological boost for BN.
Secondly, BN should go into high gear to implement long overdue reforms. It should also promote wider freedom of expression and implement the Race Relations Act. The Internal Security Act is out-dated and has no place in Malaysia’s future. Revoking the ISA will restore the Rakyat’s faith in the government and this will certainly address a key grouse of the people.
If Malaysians can unite, Patriotism will return to this country and its citizens can look forward to a brighter future unhindered by the threats of Race and Religion. If BN is willing to share the administration with Pakatan Rakyat in a 2-party rule, it will be all systems go. BN must be willing to forego their feudalistic approach of governance to embrace a full parliamentary democracy.
The 47 per cent of the Electorate is actually not against the Government. It is merely tired of the broken promises, having to compete on uneven platforms, the 2nd class status, the racial friction, religious strife, a bleak future ahead and so forth. Granting the Rakyat these basic rights will make BN shine like a polished apple. How difficult is that? Just a mere announcement on TV3 by our Prime Minister will work like magic.
There will be instant nationwide celebration, and all of BN’s past blunders forgotten. Why pay Blue Ocean Strategy experts so much for turning our country into a war-torn zone, a police state and trying to make the various races intimidate and fight each other? Is it worth it?
In the end the truth will prevail. For sure, the Rakyat will not return the two-thirds mandate to BN, so it is time for the Government to recognize that the Rakyat is actually the Boss.
The exodus from BN to Pakatan will intensify
We are starting to lag behind Third World countries like Vietnam, China and India. Even Thailand has overtaken us economically and politically. One day we will be so far left behind, and then are we still going to lay the blame on Anwar Ibrahim?
Our nation seems to be in a state of cold war. Najib and Women's Minister Sharizat Jalil has called on BN to start war preparations to oppose the advances of the Pakatan Rakyat, stressing that BN must do whatever it takes to regain lost ground.
But it is never too late to admit our mistakes and move on.
We need young blood and politically savvy leaders to helm this nation. Most of all, we need to stop fanning race and religious strife, and restore basic human rights enshrined in the United Nations' Human Rights Charter. Then only can the country move forward with renewed zest.
At this moment, Malaysia is dying and its citizens are still in a shell-shocked daze. BN must think out-of-the-box and get the reforms moving.
But I guess this is too much to ask of our government. If the simple call to review the electoral system can generate so much hostility, what more for BN to transform into a full democracy?
Is it a wonder why so many have lost faith in BN and have begun to embrace the Pakatan’s cause?
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