THE much-anticipated 100 days has come to pass. Despite some severe criticisms of not fulfilling the pledges in the election manifesto, there is no denying that the Pakatan Harapan government has made much progress in prioritised institutional reforms despite inheriting a humongous financial constraint.

Even if the many election pledges have yet to materialise, at least the motion set forth by our young, talented, and enthusiastic cabinet members has paved the direction for future fulfillment.

Reformation and transformation in the last 100 days has been impressive, such that what we once deemed as kleptocrat lumped among the most corrupt nations are now viewed as shining example for others.

We could have achieved even more including setting the narrative of how we want to move towards a harmonious, united and developed nation. Unfortunately the momentum was disrupted by quarters so wont to using disruptive instead of constructive politics.

Umno’s traditional modus operandi of racial and religious rhetoric has continued to be employed and that has put PH leaders on the defensive and even checked reform initiatives.

Prior to the 14th general election, the voice of inclusivity for all in the socio-economic polity grew louder. The aftermath, under the pretext of defending the institution of Malay rulers and Islam, saw racists and bigots objecting to key ministerial and government institutions appointments, threatening to drown the voice of inclusivity.

Questions arise if we Malaysians can ever rise above racial politics to stand tall among great thinkers and achievers in the world. Bear in mind a society and nation can only progress collectively if as a whole if we move forward in a set direction without dissuasion of loud and empty noises.

Going by past experience, for nearly 10 general elections the May 13 boogeyman has been effectively used to not only haunt voters, but also cast a permanent wound in intra-societal conflict, sowing distrust and hatred.

After nearly four decades, it took GE12 in 2008 to see some healing. Since then, racial and religious bigotry has become the new boogeyman. Such animalistic politicking has run into the core of our society that even the defeat for the first time in six decades could not put a dent to such untamed savagery.

Is our Malaysian society so gullible to believe the leader of “Chinese DAP” is out to claim the prime minister appointment, to lord over the other parties in the PH coalition, and to abolish the monarchy? Does the Almighty Allah need to be defended?

Sadly, this is reflective of the low mentality of politicians peddling such guttering politics in contempt of all norms of civility; as well as the incapability of the masses to think independently.

The low mentality and inability to think is not a confined one. Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also spoke about the ‘stupidity’ of the previous BN administration in negotiating contracts and deals.

Such stupidity is reflective of the whole cabinet that by convention has to assume collective responsibility; also those politicians and public administrators who were so benumbed to see any wrong even after the verdict of the last general election, are also culpable.

It is rather unfortunate that such groups are allowed to dictate the agenda for political discourse when maximum effort should be utilised to chart a new course.

Lessons from the past must also be learnt regarding the religious polity between PAS and Umno as to who is better in championing the protection of Islam and Malay rights, that ended up hijacking the much needed economic, educational, and national unity reform agenda.

Shamefully these were our lost decades that we today witness the Asian tigers, our equals then, and our Southeast Asian neighbours surpassing us in terms of socio-economic development.

At the start of the 100 days, calls by leaders to adopt the spirit of “ketuanan rakyat”, “ketuanan Malaysia”, “move to meritocracy”, and “building our home and nation together”, were welcomed with jubilation along with the exuberance of the electoral victory.

The inability for political leaders to unshackle from the confine of decades of racial politics allowed those noble ideas to run aground.

Years earlier, the concept of “wasatiyyah”, meaning the middle path or moderation, has been adopted as the way forward. It remains sloganeering rhetoric inimical to the doings of the previous administration.

It is rather unfortunate the first one hundred days left us without a clear national narrative moving forward. Decisiveness is now needed to continue with the march forward to challenges, to rebuild for a united and prosperous Malaysia, with all onboard. – August 23, 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.