Malaysians often like to toy with the idea of the R-A-H-M-A-N formula,
which is the surname taken from Tunku Abdul Rahman, whereby all the
country’s leaders’ names are derived from the letters beginning with ‘R’
for (Tunku Abdul) Rahman, ‘A’ for Abdul Razak, ‘H’ for Hussein Onn, ‘M’
for Mahathir, ‘A’ for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the end with ‘N’ for
Najib. fulfillment
Is it really the end for BN with Najib as depicted by the “Rahman
formula?” While certain soothsayers are of the opinion that its doomsday
for BN after Najib, what is taking place in the Malaysian political
landscape are better indicators that it’s the end game for BN.
Perhaps the best bet to hedge that it’s the end of Barisan Nasional is based on the glaring and evident fact that the coalition that obtained Independence from the British with Tunku Abdul Rahman at the helm is nowhere near what it used to be.
Since Independence, the subsequent leaders that Malaysia have witnessed in power as prime
ministers have begun to diminish in value and the current leadership
under Najib Tun Razak is probably a BN that is at its lowest and weakest
ebb.
Worries over the ability of BN leaders
If Malaysians, by now, are in a quandary over their future, it is not a situation without basis. In the coming 13th GE, the nation is set to witness a fierce ‘battle royale’ between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.
While the stage has been set, and even many diehard political pundits
are unsure as to what the final outcome will be like, what has become of
real concern and of greater worry to Malaysians of all walks of life is
the nature, behaviour, and basically the quality and capability of
political aspirants from BN to continue to lead the rakyat.
Malaysians, whichever side of the political divide they support, and no matter if they follow the mainstream or alternative media, are of late, witness to the fact that quite a number of BN politicians lack integrity and ability.
Much doubt is now being cast over the sincerity and the leadership
qualities of more and more BN politicians and this where most Malaysians
are agreeable to the fact that there is a lack of capable leaders to
steer the country forward if BN is to be given the mandate to rule.
Those whom Malaysians witness jostling to lead from BN are basically
those whose motive clearly indicate that they have a “what’s in it for
me motivation.”
The numbers of those with leadership aspirations that appear to be
fuelled by self-seeking ambition have grown within BN leading to a great
weakening and dislike for the coalition.
Pakatan Rakyat looms as being a more favorable option
With BN in disarray, the opposition coalition of Pakatan Rakyat has
begun to warm up to Malaysians as a viable multi-racial party that hopes
to fulfill the aspirations and hopes of every Malaysian in this
country.
Ever since PKR, PAS and DAP have merged they have been able to present a formidable front and their union is seen as growing from strength to strength.
The fact that they are able to hold power in the Malaysian states of Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Kelantan, and indirectly in Perak,
despite being relatively new in partnership, as opposed to the 55-year
BN rule of the country, speaks volumes for the great strides and
progress they have made.
In further staking their claim to greater power, Pakatan Rakyat has made
progress and great strides in the states of Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
Pakatan Rakyat, unlikely as it might seem, have managed to band together
an amazing coalition as the political parties of PKR, DAP and PAS
seemingly are of different values, principles, convictions and
background.
The fact that they can group together in a united show of power is the best indication that Malaysians have lost a lot of faith and confidence in BN as the prime leader of the nation.
From being an alternative coalition in the beginning, Pakatan is now
emerging clearly in more and more states within Malaysia as the possible
leaders who will drive the nation forward in the coming years.
Their politics of choice is perhaps what makes
them appeal to more and more Malaysians and their leaders are seen as
persons of admiration and strength who despite attempts at being
discredited by BN have managed the storms well to emerge even stronger and wiser.
Barisan Nasional leaders in disarray
The fact that Barisan Nasional is in a state of flux has been to the
advantage of Pakatan and not only has the opposition coalition reaped
greatly the benefit of BN going down on a slide but other voices have grown in unison to drown the voice of BN leaders.
This is precisely why in the nation of Malaysia, there are non-political
figures who have emerged on the scene to help “set things right.”
While Malaysians may have endorsed their politicians in the general
elections, they are also now beginning to lend support to the voices of
leaders outside the parliamentary sphere and these are voices that are
also rooting for Pakatan.
The Malaysian Bar, Bersih, Suaram and other NGOs and organisations are
beginning to eclipse and overshadow most elected representatives
especially those from BN.
This is because of the belief by more and more Malaysians that
corruption has destroyed the trust of the people in those holding
political office from BN.
If they don’t openly state it, it is understandable.
But Malaysians, irrespective of race or religion,
education or social status, are now becoming more convinced that the
choices of political candidates they have been having on offer from BN
lack the expectations and hopes of most of the rakyat.
Perhaps what Malaysians are looking forward to, after having been under
BN rule for so many decades, is to be able to see leaders of capability
in which they can be safely assured and put their trust in them that
they will do what is expected by the people to move the nation forward
for the betterment of all.
Malaysia losing ground on globalization
It’s a fast changing world in which globalization has brought about a
number of real, hard facts which BN leaders have either failed to notice
or pay attention.
Malaysia will benefit greatly if they subscribe fully to globalization and put in place effective practices to toe the line of globalization.
But the dire predicament the nation finds itself in is to have to put up
with BN leaders who want to go about leading the country their own way.
This resistance in adhering to the principles of globalization is
actually due to BN political leaders in this country placing
self-interests above the interests of the people.
Not only do Malaysians cast doubts over the BN leadership in this
country, the international community has also openly voiced concern and
they have grave doubts over the politics and policies that are in practice in this country.
While Malaysian leaders might like to contend that this nation is a
sovereign state and they will not bend or bow to those whom they view as
meddlers in the domestic affairs of this country, it is the absolute
right of Malaysians to do so.
But it also pays to pay very careful heed as to what these “meddlers”
are saying. By doing so, Malaysia and its leaders have nothing to lose
but putting to rest any false claims or allegations that may or are
being leveled against its leaders and this country.
This is why leaders in the Malaysian political arena from BN are often
viewed with doubt and suspicion, not only by the local community but
also the international community. There is obviously no doubt whatsoever
now that the BN leadership of this country faces a crisis of credibility.
BN expected to further weaken
If nothing happens or changes in the choice and selection of leaders made available for the people to choose from in the 13th GE,
the end result should witness BN further weakened and the nation
descend into ruin or become a failed state by lagging in the
globalization process.
Malaysians should endorse their choice of leaders without fear or favour
and encourage and support the people they view as capable and being
able to deliver to the people what the people entrust and hope for in
their elected representatives.
Candidates that are doubtful or tainted and lack the trust and
confidence of the people should be removed without a further thought by
the people. Only those willing to sacrifice and serve the people should
command the respect and recognition of Malaysians to safeguard and
strengthen the future of the nation.
Malaysia Chronicle
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