Malaysia's 12th GE - a new beginning?

The election result has been finalised. The ruling Barisan will continue in the government having won 140 seats out 0f 222. They will face, for the first time, the Opposition which is represented across the board. Where previously the Opposition was largely the Chinese-based DAP in 2004 or the Islamic-based PAS in 1999, this time round, the DAP, PAS and PKR, a largely Malay-based party, all did equally well. This outcome has presented Malaysia with a new political opportunity.

Since Independence 50 years ago, the ruling Barisan coalition had always been the only realistic choice to govern the country given its representation of the various races through its component ethnic-based parties. This is because, the politics of Malaysia had always been race-based and it is an accepted fact that a non-Malay will never be the Prime Minister, at least in the foreseeable future. This couple with the realisation that the non-Muslim minority will never support an Islamic-based party to rule the country. Because of this, there is no real chance for the Chinese-based party of DAP or the Islamic-based party of PAS to form the government.

The success of DAP, PAS and PKR this time round having won themselves a combined seats of 82 have presented a viable alternative to this largely monolithic political system. Together this three parties represented all the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia. Although the DAP is largely Chinese-based, it has a sizeable Indian parliamentarian. The Malay electorate will be represented by PAS and PKR. What is different in this election with that in 1999 when these 3 parties formed a coalition called the Alternative Front is in the presence of a de facto leader in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Hence for the first time the Opposition has a Malay leader with parliamentarians representing the major ethnic groups; akin to the Barisan coalition.

Now that the people has made their choice, the Opposition will have to prove themselves in Parliament. They will have to show that they can work together, creative and truely able to address the major issues at hand - the issues of religious conversions, the judiciary independence, the 'perceived' marginalisation of the ethnic minority, the 'perceived' Islamisation of the country among others. And they must do this without the rhethorics which was so common previously. This election has shown that Malaysians are now more educated and discerning, able to analyse issues and no longer just support parties based on ethnic lines. If the Opposition can oppose constructively or even elect to support the government when such is warranted, then I am sure the future of the Opposition will be bright.

UMNO, the backbone of the ruling Barisan, can also 'benefit' from this result. For years, UMNO can rely on the Malays support. This has probably made UMNO too confident and arrogant, loosing their direction along the way. This can be seen by the jostling for candidancy in the days leading up to the nomination days. There do not seemed to be any clear criteria for selections. Probably, the leadership had felt that it does not matter who was standing for the election as long as they belong to UMNO. Certainly this has proven to be wrong and showing that even the Malay voters are now more discerning. Issues and the ability to solve them becomes more important than just the party banner.

The fall of Gerakan in Penang is not unexpected given the poor track record under the leadership of Tan Sri Koh. He did not even have the full support of Penang UMNO. MCA's dismal showing, to me is a surprise, given that they had made more representations to UMNO under the leadership of Ong Ka Ting.

MIC's disastrous showing should be no surprise given the unpopularity of Samy Vellu. Maybe power has gone to his head to the extend that he was still so arrogant, aloof and defiant in the face of the hostility that he had received since the Hindruf street demonstration. It is probably appropriate that he be dumped unceremoniously by the electorate on his 72nd birthday. The insult can not be any worse when at the same time the leader of Hindraf was elected with a clear margin of victory; all these even while he was in political detention. Truely, MIC will need a more practical and dynamic leader.

All these changes give Malaysia a real opportunity to set things right. For the ruling coalition, not to take thing for granted and to try to solve long-standing and sensitive issues, like the question of religious conversions, rising crime rates and the judicial independence, and not just sweep under the carpet for the next leader to solve. For the Opposition, a chance to prove themselves a viable alternative to the long-entrenched ruling party; that they can present constructive views and criticism for the betterment of the country.

Malaysia is now at a crossroad. The electorate have shouted out loud. If this 'experiment' works, then the days ahead are bright because then no ruling party can be complacent, and misdeeds can be minimised if not eradicated due to the check-and-balances. However, if this experiment fails, then things can only get worse.