IT is often said that the Malay political base is divided into many – PAS, Umno, PKR, Amanah, Bersatu, PBB and half a dozen multiracial parties. The reality, however, is that the main parties are Umno, PAS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) as a bloc.

Since losing the last general elections, Umno has gone well out of its usual ways to regain support. The usual 3Rs – race, religion and royalty were played up full swing when things that are not racial in nature were made out to be so – ICERD, ratifying the Rome Statute, appointment of non-Malays into government positions they are both qualified and more than allowed to hold. Umno even teamed up with their traditional enemy, PAS, for the second time in their shared history to further bolster their nationalist-religionist credentials, hoping both parties can burnish each other’s common propaganda.

While the non-Malays have largely not retaliated to this rhetoric, some segments of the Malay community, have responded positively. Although the total votes have not really increased for this new (yet previously denied) coalition, three victories in Malay-majority seats (with only one actual seat gained) may have convinced PAS-Umno that this dangerous, irresponsible, detrimental-to-national-harmony method, works.

This rhetoric may resonate temporarily with a demographic still reeling from shock at the “overkill” delivered against Umno, the sympathy factor for the displaced former leaders, the guilt of having a hand in “destroying” Najib’s career, coupled with the sluggish economy that seems to have become slower under the new government, but its effect would likely not be as well accepted in urban areas, developed states who have less affinity and nostalgic ties with Umno, as seen with Selangor’s three straight rejection of their former ruling party. In some cases, it may even backfire, as seen in the Sandakan by-election, where even more Muslim voters supported PH than before, delivering them an even bigger margin, despite a smaller turnout.

Appealing to political parties’ wisdom and statesmanship is futile. The currency of politics is influence, and the two parties would unlikely sacrifice their newfound perceived gains for anything, even something as critical as nation-building.

National political discourse are dictated by the dominant political players, and the ruling party has a far bigger advantage in this regard, a card largely unused by the present administration.

For the government to focus on the economy first, have time and time again been repeated by civil society, pressure groups, the PH component parties, and the administration itself. Hence, a large portion of the media should be focussed on the efforts to eradicate poverty, uplift the economy, and highlight government efforts in doing this.

Instead of forums talking about the dangers of LGBT, the influence of K-pop and other social “issues” that have only recently become topics of national importance, these same media outlets should be used to obtain public input, gauge support for present programs, and allow the rakyat to participate meaningfully in the rebuilding of Malaysia.

Communication is a two-way street, and it should not be always about government knows best, as that was what led to the downfall of the previous administration. Allowing the opposition press freedom however, does not mean slanted reporting or full-on policy bashing sessions that is only reversing what Barisan Nasional did before, tilting the balance of dialogue into a sermon against the government, which is not fair, either.

If Malaysia Baru is about openness and freedom of speech, more dissenting opinions and thoughts be given a platform, including from the minority opinions, even the non-mainstream, that does not fall into either bloc.

Loosening partisan grip on national politics, including for the Malay demographic should include an honest, fair and balanced national dialogue, not one dominated by familiar divisive politics of hate and rhetoric. – May 15, 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.