Candidate Versus Culture: A Thought for Third Force Debate

The life and death of a political party depends on its leadership quality, members' commitment to its ideology and its political culture.

Much has been debated about an inherent lack of quality in elected representatives in Malaysian politics. Before we criticize the political parties for a poor selection of candidates, we should first try to understand the background of party politics in Malaysia.

First, established political parties in the country are limited by their party structure e.g. divisions and branches which are geographically linked to electoral constituencies. Party elections used to elect and promote leaders who will be chosen to become candidates in general elections. Often, a division chairperson is also the elected representative of the area.

Second, this structure i.e. a close link between party positions to candidacy has created a barrier for the party to choose a candidate freely. 'Parachute' candidates normally face tremendous opposition from the party members in the division. Many of them may even face a backlash if the protest and rejection ended up in a sabotage and boycott. Hence, a party normally chooses a candidate whom they think is popular with the party grassroots.

This tendency may turn into warlordism we found in political parties. A politician will do anything to win his party election at the divisional or state level. Any attempt by the party to replace an inefficient elected representative may be deterred through his/her popularity at the local level. It was proven in the last elections that a party warlord or 'strongman' may not necessary popular or well-received by the voters.

Third, the political culture is an important factor which determines the pace and space for renewal in a political party. Most political parties in Malaysia are practising patronage politics. The parties are often associated to a personality or family roots. It may be difficult for the parties to incorporate outstanding outsiders into the party leadership structure. Talent and know-how are not highly prioritised in leadership ascension.

Finally, the voters too need to play a party to send a clear message to the parties on what they prefer as candidates. We must remember that the quality of policy formulation, response to national, regional or global crisis, quality of governance, and general socio-economic development are dependent on the quality of the people we have put in the government.

Candidate selection is key for the next general election. However, this conclusion may be short lived and proven wrong if voters choose to slip back to the old habit of preference - race, party association and religion. Malaysia's political culture is one of the most hazardous in the world. Some politicians spend more time on religion and race than actual policy intervention and good governance.

In a world where the efficiency of a government can become a competitive advantage to attract talents and investments, can Malaysians rise up to the challenge to put the right people in the government?

If we do, then the whole perception that politics is the exclusive domain of political parties or the two coalitions e.g. Pakatan and Barisan is wrong and counter productive. Our people must intervene in the political process. We do not need personalities who are using the political platform to achieve their own needs and protect their interests.

This is what I called a Third Force, an enlightened group of voters who will play a role to determine the future of this country. I would like to see a change of power in the country because I firmly believe that any political coalition or party holding power for more than 5 decades cannot be that good to keep the ills and negative culture into the party. Some ancient dynasties did not even last that long.

However, any government in waiting should not ignore the voice and demand of the people to choose/field better candidates. Nor should they deter any persons from exercising their democratic rights to participate in the electoral process if none of the current parties are able to meet their expectation.

Proponents of change, if are serious about change, should be able to sit down to discuss and embrace a broad coalition with a change for a better tomorrow as its common goal.

When sacrifice and service is above self, we do not have to witness an ugly side of party politics. Can our politicians live up to this expectation?

Serve Malaysia, which is a beautiful country. Those of us who cannot participate in the electoral process as candidates should do our part to forge common shared values which are non-racial but Malaysian centric!

The challenge is less than 6 months away! A damper of the people's hope for change and for a fairer and just Malaysia will drive more disappointed and disenfranchised people out of the country than what the Talent Corp can hope to attract back home.

So, people like Zaid Ibrahim, Syed Hussien Ali, RPK, Haris Ibrahim, Nik Nazmi, Anwar Ibrahim, Azmin Ali, YL Chong, Jeffrey Kitingan, Uthayakumar, Warthayamorthy, Jenapala and others should take this heed seriously: Focus on the change agenda and not who is going to be a spoiler in the next general elections.