WITH the impending general elections just around the corner, politicking in Malaysia has gone into overdrive. However, unlike the past few elections where things used to be in black and white, and the ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ are clearly defined, it has become less obvious for either side on where to sling the mud.

This time, with PAS and Umno appearing to be neither bosom friends nor bitter enemies with each other, with personalities from opposite camps switching roles, and many friends turned foes, and foes turned friends, with the speed and consistency of your average KL traffic light, perhaps personality cults and party loyalty should be  given a break. It is too confusing and tiring.

Perhaps we should be looking at policies, capabilities and the track record of opposing camps in keeping the two.

It is about time to force parties to be accountable to come up with, implement and stick to proper social and economic policies that are fair and acceptable to all Malaysians. Doing this would reduce the endless public debates, emotionally-charged arguments and unceasing noise about many issues that should have been resolved long ago – the medium of instructions in schools or the status of religious minorities.

We should also be informed on each party’s general development vision for Malaysia, and how they intend to achieve and fund it. Things like reducing poverty, increasing household income, addressing housing affordability, creating jobs and attracting foreign investment.

We need to address long-standing issues put aside due to its politically sensitive nature, like an oversized civil service, and the high number of unemployable graduates.

Though the country is still progressing, years of overlapping plans have resulted in stalled mega projects, such as the Pan Borneo highway, flip-flop policies like PSMPI, and a new highway being built every couple of years to deal with congestion caused by another highway.

A social blueprint should also be mapped out, preferably one that addresses Malaysian issues, rather than issues by race. Urban poverty, increasing racial and religious extremism, alcohol and drug abuse, affect us all.

Political appointments, sadly, in recent years have been reduced to little more than political reward or largesse. Malaysians deserve qualified and capable Cabinet members. Sometimes, this means inter-party politics and representation should take a back seat if there are people who could do a better job, running the Transport Ministry, for example.

This does not only apply to the Federal level. State governments, under the present arrangement, appoint State Executive councillors, as well as local councillors. As an extended arm of their respective state governments, they should also withstand scrutiny and be presented as part and parcel of the candidate line up. Similar to how Singapore advertises their MPs as a team servicing an area, under the Group Representation Constituency system, this could showcase a party’s lesser publicised talent, groom the next batch of leaders and ensure the electorate really knows who they are voting for.

Similarly, as our country’s economy is highly dependent on GLCs, a big part of the party’s manifesto should be dedicated to it. The growth and development of GLCs play a pivotal part, as they form a large bulk of employers from the private sector. Again, this applies not only to the Federal government, but also the states, particularly the richer ones like Selangor and Penang.

The election commission can play its part in promoting improved campaign guidelines. Some antiquated restrictions, like those on the amounts allowed for election spending, which is mostly ignored anyway, should be revised to reflect modern economic realities.

It should also take into account online spending and social media campaigning. Perhaps they should also start playing their role in levelling the playing field a bit more, not only for the big parties, but also the smaller ones and independent candidates. Some guidelines or regulations on green campaigning would help preserve the environment a bit more.

Parties campaigning usually promise reform and overhauls to the system to make it more efficient and clean. Perhaps it can start with the campaign itself. – December 5, 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.