The crumbling faith after 2008

Opinion

In March 2008, the Malaysian people were responsible for letting Putrajaya know that we would no longer tolerate our voices not being heard. The states of Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan decided to change their state governments with the promise of a better tomorrow with Pakatan Rakyat.

Close to the end of that year, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said four words that will live in infamy, “We have the numbers.” This was in reference to the opposition having enough lawmakers willing to jump over to Pakatan so they could finally gain control of the seat of power. This was also the beginning of the end for the credibility of Pakatan Rakyat.

And the worst part about all this was knowing that Barisan Nasional watched as one by one the house of cards that won Pakatan Rakyat their greatest victory yet came tumbling down.

Now while we can blame the political manoeuvrings of Barisan Nasional, particularly Umno, for causing Pakatan Rakyat much grief, a question I ask myself and implore others to consider is this: Why is Pakatan Rakyat falling for it?

One of the biggest political threats that still exist to this day for Pakatan Rakyat is the lack of assurance that PAS will not turn and work with Umno for the sake of the Malay-Muslim masses. The worst they could come up with at the time was to take a vow to leave their wives should they decide to ever go work with Umno.

Notice how they are more willing to give up their wives instead of vowing to give up their seats and ask for a by-election.

The switch in Perak, which has now put the state in a standstill in terms of governance, goes to show that integrity of politicians within Pakatan Rakyat itself was at such a minimal level. Even if they were all “bought over” by Barisan Nasional, it then leads to another question.

Just how can you then guarantee a corrupt-free federal government in the future when your chosen members are just as corrupt?

If candidate screening was a failure, as pointed out by Anwar, then why risk placing a candidate at all?

The major disappointment of voters with PKR in this sense is the fact that they came out screaming for votes, only to have the elected candidate then betray their votes and have them deal with it for the next four years until the next election period.

But worst of all is the lack of cohesion and unity not only amongst the three of them, but now the cracks are showing within the parties individually.

Take the case of PKR and their current situation. What we are seeing is democracy with no borders and apparently with no control on corruption. Furthermore, now we are seeing their own long-term supporters and members turning on them due to this. Sadly, while this is not fully PKR’s fault, it is PKR’s problem.

The single fact of the matter is, the people who helped get PKR, DAP and PAS where they are now want to put their own agenda forward. PAS supporters of influence want a more conservative nation, while DAP supporters want a more liberal and democratic nation that stops corruption. These two supporter bases obviously do not get along together.

Thus, when PAS in Shah Alam decides to support the seizure of liquor from a 7-Eleven, there is a huge outcry from DAP. And when DAP decides to support the use of the word Allah by Christians, PAS goes haywire and splits into those who support and those who denounce the idea of sharing the word.

A very wise exiled royal mentioned that Pakatan Rakyat must not get side tracked by these minor agendas due to the fact that the solution can only be achieved once their main objective is reached. And he is right.

Every single issue that is occurring within the Pakatan Rakyat is of a minor scale that while what remains important can be solved with a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a relaxed whip which allows all of the MPs to vote their conscience.

So if the supporters of Pakatan Rakyat are expecting a quick fix and a quick buck, they should not have voted for the Pakatan. If anything, Pakatan Rakyat is in it for the long run. It will be tough, it will be hard and perhaps cost the people who support them dearly, but the rewards will be glorious for everyone.

Well, everyone except PAS.

Hafidz Baharom is a social observer who has rankled more than a few feathers. He has written for a number of publications, and is always looking to stir up discussions on things which need to be said.