Green Wave: What is the Alternative?

My apologies, this article on a Tuesday is in breach of my internal guideline – Tuesdays are for market or sector reports.

The PM cannot match PN’s identity politics. It has to be economic recovery and institutional reforms. The latter means address corruption and improve efficiency.

The PM’s unique selling point must be a Malay led Government can be progressive and will celebrate the diversity of Malaysia. It follows Dubai, Qatar or Bahrain, not Iran, Afghanistan or Pakistan. There are some who, however, believe that the desire for a more religious and racially-oriented narrative is regardless of socio-economic status of the rakyat. And some further believe that we are a nation in transition – from a flawed Westminster-style secular constitutional democracy to an undefined Islamic state

Source: https://focusmalaysia.my

The ascendancy of political Islam has been growing since the 80s. The so-called “Little Napoleons” are growing in number at various levels and are emboldened to implement shariah-style measures. It is an administrative fiat. An example is the dress code. We have gaming banned; alcohol removed in PN controlled states. Next is bak kut teh?

Many Islamists would love Malaysia to replace the Constitution with the Quran. The shariah law over the civil code. Can a moderate Muslim accept this? It is difficult for the so-called moderates to stand apart! Doesn’t this affect private investment? Of course it does but that is secondary in the scheme of things.

What is the PM’s dilemma?

The Chinese and Indian support for PH is solid – maybe as high as 90% in some constituencies. Despite the bashing DAP faced, they voted for DAP. So, if Anwar adopts more-Malay policies, DAP’s support base will shrink. The Nons will refuse to vote next time round. That is victory for PN by default!

So, what is the alternative?

The PM, as said earlier, could galvanise his Madani Economy Framework and institute much needed reforms in the executive and legislative – some of which have been announced or are in place. But many more remains to be done.

We need the “Sarawak model” of socio-economic interactions. A clear alternative has to be presented. Sarawak has a happy history of co-existence of religious and ethnic diversity. This has to be promoted –from education, religious tolerance to economic endeavours. More Sarawakians need to be holding key positions in the Cabinet. In fact and maybe, we could have a PM from Sarawak?

If the alternative narrative is not promoted actively at street and village level, the “Green Wave” will only gather more strength. Underlying all of this, we need prayer to change the landscape of hate, division and discord to one of love, unity and harmony.

References:

Why Hadi is the face of Malaysia’s future, Dennis Ignatius, 13 June 2023

Analysts: Anwar must focus on economy after Malaysian opposition’s success at polls, Iman Muttaqin Yusof, Benar News, 14 August 2023

Comment: Green Wave is M’sia state elections? Yes, but it’s the same Green Wave, James Chin, Mothership, 15 August 2023