MANY things seem worth sacrificing for politics – time, money, a lifetime of dedication. There is the usual personal costs as well – reputation, personal liberties and sometimes freedom itself. But politics in any nation should have the ultimate goal of improving and unifying the country behind a certain rallying call. These rallying calls could be ideological, on how to bring the country forward. It could be economical, where the class divide has grown too big and one side feels they have too little. It could be, sadly, religious or racial in nature.

Of course, to a certain extent, the country will be divided along political lines for the period of campaigning and choosing the next government. After that, however, usually is a time for healing the friction and allow the nation to grow before repeating the next cycle. That is one of the reasons why elections are usually spaced a few years apart.

Politicking however, tends to push those barriers to near-breaking point. Sometimes, if little care is paid, it may even push some disagreements to the point of no return.

In the context of multiracial and multi-religious Malaysia, it is more so the case.

While it is true that parties have openly campaigned along the lines of race and religion, it used to have some underlying economic logic to it. The campaign itself was little more than mere rhetoric which many of the electorate themselves did not take seriously as belittling or glorifying any particular ethnic group or belief, especially at the cost of another. Kid gloves were often applied. For many years, that was the understanding.

Removing Umno from power and leaving PAS out of the federal power equation, however, seemed to be a deal-breaker. Suddenly, all is fair game, and even federal appointments made according to the strictest interpretation of the law, and with no infringement on anyone’s rights, are being called into question.

The arguments are downright disgusting and racist, and all consideration for other people’s feelings are thrown out along with any regard for what’s true and what isn’t. Even “moderate” icons like the “Malaysian First” former tourism minister and his party colleague, the “gentleman politician” Kelantan prince have decided to join in the racially charged narrative.

What is the cause of their concern?

Other than a change of parties, the status quo has generally remained 

The national power equation have not changed.

Senior civil servants are still there.

Ministry officials remain the same.

The ratio of appointments remains as it was, before the elections.

Apart from a handful of appointments – chief justice, the attorney-general and a new finance minister, who are an East Malaysian Bumiputera, a Malaysian Indian, and a Malaysian Chinese respectively, the previous racial ratio for most other key posts remains.

Isn’t being Malaysian enough to hold an important portfolio that has no religious or racial bearing? Is the constitution no longer a sufficient safeguard that those charged with defending it, too, have to belong to a certain race or religion?

Has anything really changed with regards to rights in New Malaysia?

Have businesses been closed down, ownership of equity changed or erosion of rights occurred anywhere? Or are they simply perception, fuelled by irresponsible quarters who would not hesitate to stoke fires of emotions they mistakenly believe they can somehow control without the resources they once had? – February 27, 2019. 

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.