Malaysia’s political courage and realities

The Malaysian Insight The Malaysian Insight Updated 7 years ago · Published on 25 Nov 2018 12:00PM · 7 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad doesn't appear confident that his cabinet supports the reforms Pakatan Harapan promised in the run up to GE14. – EPA pic, November 25, 2018.

WHEN Malaysians voted on May 9, the majority took the courage to finally take a step to the unknown by voting out one government and replacing it with a veteran leader and his one-time critics and political foes.

It was a leap of faith made easy by the arrogance of kleptocrats and crooks.

Having said that, the Malaysians who supported Pakatan Harapan (PH) on May 9 understand the political realities of Malaysia but do not want this new Mahathir government to take the path of least resistance when making decisions.

It is simply unacceptable to say that the government will not table new laws in part because PH does not have a two-thirds parliamentary majority to ensure the legislation goes through. After all, PH still does not control the Senate.

The wrangling over the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the subsequent announcement not to ratify it is a case in point.

It appears to be a cop out statement from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PH. Just as he says that functions and powers of the attorney-general will not be split because PH is unsure if the move will obtain the necessary support.

This is also a cop out. Surely the reasonable thing for a political movement that came to power on the back of a reform agenda is to take this reform to the summit of all change: Parliament.

If Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmakers don’t support any particular legislation, then voters will know how to teach them a lesson at the next general election.

More worrying perhaps is the nagging feeling that even some PH lawmakers may not support overhauling a system that has produced excesses, abuse of power and thieves.

Is Dr Mahathir now not confident that members of his front bench will support change?

That is a sad and disconcerting thought. – November 25, 2018.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Selfishness prevails even in the most noble and respected people representatives. What can we say?

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

    • PKR and Bersatu? Amanah? Yang berhormat?

      Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

    • Tidak lagi dihormati.

      Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

    • Pakatoons are an experimental coalition in the making, with the finished product beginning to emerge in GE15 due by 2O23?..

      Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • I beg to differ on the above writer views. I believe it is more of political astuteness by the old man and the patience to wait. It is just only 7 monhs in power and to consolidate the concerted thinking of party memebers and PH Mps , needs time. The on going concerns in reining in all the corrupted opposition leaders hell bend in inciting mayhem holds priority. He needs to weaken the adversaries and then only could see the real reforms . The country peace and stability with the growing interest of investors are damn too important to overlook and support the short term happiness thru populist actions. It must not be the factor to derail the leap forward for greater Malaysia.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Other cop-outs
    1. Kula Segaran saying he could no longer help Indira Gandhi
    2. Law minister asking Indira to go to the courts to seek redress
    3. Raymong Koh, Teoh BH - still no resolution?
    4. Letting extremists push them into a corner. Man, is it that simple to gertak PH?
    5. No direction on what remains an inefficient civil service. Answer telephone also still taking half day.

    Posted 7 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • One more - weak 2019 budget for middle class

    Posted 7 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply