Parties with vested interest were quick to name winners and losers in the aftermath of Bersih 2.0. Are there any real clear winners or losers?
Ironically, a friend lamented to me that Barisan will still win the next general election through rigging. This is a hard accusation. But it draws us back to the point that the electoral process in Malaysia is far from being democratically functional.
To pass the stress test of democracy, it has to meet a few criteria. The weightage of an urban vote has to be the same with rural vote. Otherwise, the balance of power tilts towards less than 40% of rural voters who can determine who rules the country.
Second, it points us to the trust and credibility deficit of the Election Commission which is supposed to be entrusted to run and manage fair and transparent elections.
The serious lack of trust in the electoral process is a serious impediment to a fair and transparent electoral system and puts the entire democratic system in jeopardy.
Aftermath of Bersih 2.0, are there any clear winners?
Arguably NO, because the ruling government and the Election Commission have not responded positively to a movement which they had declared as illegal, hence its demands too! There is not going to be any reform. Period.
Can the Opposition ride on the Bersih 2.0 to create another tsunami in the coming general elections? I hardly doubt so because of an inequitable delineation process which had tilted power base to the 40% rural/non-urban voters. It will probably take another 100 years, if we are optimistic enough, to hope for proportionate representation to be even considered.
Who are the losers? Many. Malaysia's reputation and image internationally has been badly affected. The ruling government's inconsistency and lack of tolerance for dissent is being tested and exposed. Many Malaysians are going to feel more dispirited despite words of encouragement. Reality will set in that it is not easy to change a government, much worse a mindset, after all.
Malaysia is facing a stark reality of what lies ahead. Hard sell abroad to lure investors into Malaysia is going to face futility. Not because of Bersih 2.0 but largely due to a lethargic and sloppy governance.
Vision 2020 is soon becoming a pipe dream. It has lost its magic and sense of purpose. It is best for the ruling politicians to start thinking of what is the next viable and appealing story for Malaysia before they can hope to attract billions needed to help Malaysia achieve its desired developed nation status.
An international report has put Malaysia as one of the least attractive emerging economies, only ahead of Columbia. Graduates unemployment has doubled since 2008. Companies are moving away and foreign companies are withdrawing from the country. I have spoken to quite a number local businessmen who are busy looking elsewhere due to the economic realities in the country. A headline screams, Kuala Lumpur is now more expensive for expats than San Francisco. Malaysia's demand power is only 32% of New York etc. etc.
What about a plate of economy rice costing around RM7?
The government must have gotten the message with the recent establishment of 1Malaysia stores (selling really cheap goods at cheap prices) and the promotion of breakfast/lunch menu for less than RM4.
Are these long term solutions?
Apart from the obvious political struggle between politicians of both sides, what else have they done or proposed to get us out of the rot?
Why has Malaysia's political discourse become so idiotic and silly? Are politicians really stupid or they think Malaysians are dumb?
Those who are putting their ears on the ground should know that the rumblings are not very positive for this country. The only news which got to international press worldwide are the ones which make Malaysia and Malaysians looked silly, low class and inhabitants of a lost world.
What is beyond Bersih 2.0? Both sides of politicians are claiming victory. There is no glory at all to rejoice.
Status quo still rules and Malaysia has become a mere laughing stock worldwide. It exposes the fragility of our public institutions to political abuse and the immaturity of our political system.
It makes more sense for more Malaysians deserting their homeland for somewhere saner.
10 comments:
Where would we migrate to which is more saner. Any suggestion?
Post Bersih rally the real winners Ambiga and her Bersih group and definitely the "Rakyat".
Big time losers Najib,Hisham,Chuah Soi Lek,Liow Tiong Lai and the IGP.
Small time winners by default the three "M's".
For your good intentions,i applaude you...but don't hit out at the low skilled,education and lack of talent.General masses would kill to be in your position to write and then travel to the far regions of the planet..thanks
A very well written article. The reality of the matter is not hard to find. Put yourself in the shoes of the PM. Would you give up power if you know you know that you would literally have to flee Malaysia if you lose the election. There would be charges from murder to corruption that will brought against him should the Opposition win. The PM would do anything, even rigging the polls to stay in power. Well Bersih....it was a good try!!
This coming GE 13th BN will definitely win less seats than they won in the last GE.
First the total of seats won by the three little siblings Mca,Mic and Gerakan is around 20 seats.The total this time around is maximun eight seats.If they get decimated it might even be zero seats.
Umno is definitely going to lose some seats in the peninsular.How many is anybody's guess.In the end it will come down to Sabah and Sarawak.If the many events leading up to the Bersih rally will have an negative effect than the Bersih fiasco would have more than an negative effect.This coming GE will be the opposition's best chance of wrestling Putrajaya from BN.
Definitely the Rakyat! Despite threats, repressive actions, intimidations and lockdown, tens of thousands still turn up to show their support and unhappiness. Malaysians now know their voices can be heard globally if united and acting in concert...real eye opener!
Vote with your feet?
Even if BN were to win the coming GE with lesser seats than in 2008but more than fifty percent of the parliamentary seats it will still be the GOM.But Najib will be shown the door.The Abdullah Badawi way.
From the events of the last three months Najib is the biggest loser.He will become the shortest
reigning PM in Malaysian history.He sealed his own fate by being seen as a lame duck for been helpless,boneless and spineless.In other words a leaderless leader.
We were discussing about the fate, on its mode of linearity or circularity. The circular had to bog down for the tyranny of the progressive straightforward. But, the enlightenment project has not ended as claimed by the various parties, Frankfurt Circle included. Indeed, we must ponder upon our possibility to "progress".
Yes what you write the reality but don't you want to have a glimmer of hope that change might be coming... Still a pessimistic view of things. I want change for my kids as I presume that you don't have kids and have nothing to worry about. Yes it is true that the opposition should not sit quietly but they have a further opportunity to make further in roads. Yes the 40% rural still hold the key but now every vote count. They also have access to information and news, hopefully the message is clear that they have a choice and right.
Being right there is no change in the electoral system. But the factor is the voter is more aware than before. That should be the positive aspect as compared to no matter what it is status quo.
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