THE 13th Malaysian Parliament is now in what could be its last session. It will have to be dissolved on or before 24 August 2018, and with that, the next general elections will soon be held. The upcoming general elections will likely witness the most number of participating parties and federal-level coalitions and pacts ever seen.

It could witness a record number of Prime Ministers, former Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, former Deputy Prime Ministers, Mentris Besar and Ketua Menteris and ex Mentris Besar and Ketua Menteris, elected reps, incumbents and aspirants contesting at a time where Malaysia is at crossroads with regards to its political, social, religious and economic direction.

Choosing the government this time, therefore, perhaps would be more than just a stamp of approval for, or a vote of no-confidence against, the federal or the state governments, or even as a lifeline for the federal opposition. It will decide if Malaysia continues with its pro-China economic policies; if increased religious restrictions are imposed or not; if the race to build shopping malls and apartment buildings continue at its current pace; or if GST is to be continued or scrapped.

However, most political parties are either coy or noncommittal or employ doublespeak when dealing with issues deemed sensitive, and are generally afraid to rock the boat. Different parties within the same coalition or different personalities within the same party are used to saying different things to different groups. The same party can be viewed by some as moderate and progressive, yet at the same time, by others as a steadfast and ardent defender of race or religion.

At other times, parties prefer to stick to the tried-and-tested methods – race-bashing, scandals and personality cults.

With these many things at stake, and with these many parties contesting, Malaysians deserve to know exactly what they will be voting for.

Parties should declare, in clear terms, their stance on issues both new and long-outstanding that if left unchecked would be not only detrimental to our national image and social identity, but also our way of life.

While Barisan Nasional have been up front  that they fully intend to continue the collection of GST, tourism tax and removal of subsidies,  we have heard few versions of whether Pakatan Harapan, Gagasan Sejahtera or Gabungan Sabah intends to keep, adjust or abolish these taxes, and what they plan to do to compensate instead.

Likewise, both sides seem to be aware of the steadily rising price of goods and the inability of the young to afford housing, but neither offers a comprehensive solution nor promise of exactly if, or how much, they can help stem the rise or raise income levels, other than offering low cost houses or cash handouts.

Hudud-RUU 355 is possibly the most talked about issue in local politics aside from 1MDB, yet while many people talk about it, no one save PAS seems to have stated a firm, unequivocal stance on it.

Everyone else have used it as everything from an inducement to threat to distraction to bargaining chip, yet it is difficult to obtain a firm “Yes” or “No”, apart from the usual “Not Yet” ,” Not suitable with current society” or “Other issues first”.

When is the time right? Will it ever be right? What happens when all other issues are ironed out? Will we have it (at any point) or not?

What about education and vernacular schools? More autonomy to East Malaysia or not? Petroleum royalties?

Some grey area and crawlspace is expected in politics, but too much only leads to flux and unending noise. – October 24, 2017.

* 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.