THE International Republican Institute’s (IRI) claim that it played a significant role – or any part at all – to help bring down Barisan Nasional in the 14th general election is a superlative exaggeration.

Daniel Twining, the president of IRI, at a forum organised by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on July 17, said: “For 15 years, working with network sources, we worked to strengthen Malaysian opposition parties. And guess what happened. Two months ago, after 61 years, they won.”

It is understandable for Twining to project himself and IRI in a positive light and take credit for the outcome of the general election, especially when Republican and Democratic parties are in perpetual conflict. He did what he had to do, to please American ears.

IRI might have organised workshops and consultations promoting democratic principles and good governance, participated by politicians from both Pakatan Harapan and BN, and activists. To Malaysians, what IRI did is of the least significance, perhaps, as good as none. The regime change effected on May 9 had to go through several stages, with an equal share of disappointment and hope.

The Hindraf movement was a catalyst, marking the first positive step towards change in 2008, when BN’s two-thirds majority was breached for the first time. This gave hope for a realistic win for the opposition in the next elections.

Hindraf, identified by its distinctive yellow, is not a foreign-sponsored revolution, unlike what has happened in Eastern Europe and South Africa, where the George Soros Foundation did not deny its sponsorship.

GE13, in 2013, again gave much hope, but proved a disappointment in the end due to gerrymandering and numerous reports of cheating. In GE14, Malaysians at large gave it a do-or-die last try. Groups, among them Bersih 2.0, Invoke, G25 Malaysia, National Human Rights Society, Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, and National Patriots Association (Patriot), deserve mention. Numerous individuals and bloggers, and the online media did their part, too.

Above all, the many thousands who came home from overseas just to vote, and the high turnout despite polling day being on Wednesday, contributed to the downfall of BN. In the GE14 Malaysian tsunami, how on earth did Twining and IRI fit in?

There is also a piece of silent pre-emptive work that is little known. Much has been written about the peaceful transition of power, and Malaysians have been touted as a peaceful people. Having learnt about the aborted planned chaos by certain quarters after the Abdullah Ahmad Badawi administration lost the two-thirds majority in GE12, Patriot, in the run-up to GE14, was wary, as the stakes this year were very high.

The inspector-general of police and armed forces chief issued statements on undesirable elements out to create problems. Being familiar with security matters and psychological operations, Patriot took the initiative to issue three statements, urging the duo to remain neutral and loyal to king and country, and take action to stem any untoward action.

In the meantime, Patriot sent a delegation to discuss security matters with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and asked him to speak up on the planned chaos that could lead to Parliament being dissolved and rule under the National Security Council Act, which he did. The night of May 9 was filled not only with trepidation as the nation waited for the polls results, but prayers for peace as well.

Now that GE14 has come to pass, and the contents of a letter from the former director-general of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation to the director of the US’ Central Intelligence Agency revealed, how would the US government have responded, had there been a hung Parliament?

In international politics, there can be only one interest, i.e., national interest. If the US is truly genuine about promoting democracy, it warrants the lesser use of veto power in the United Nations Security Council. Listen, too, to the views of other nations. Also, it warrants not twisting the arm of Third World nations for their votes in the UN assembly, in exchange for foreign aid.

Malaysia is, and always has been, keenly aware of the US’ use of aid and assistance as political tools. – August 9, 2018.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* 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.