POLITICS, it is said, is the art of the possible, especially applicable to politicians whose raison d’être is self-preservation.

This is apparently the political philosophy that informs those who reportedly are busy scheming to set up a “backdoor government” in Malacca and possibly elsewhere in the country.

Word has it that there were plans to form a new state government involving two Malacca exco members and their Umno counterparts in a ploy to oust state leader Adly Zahari of Amanah, a component party of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

The said plot, which was subsequently dismissed as hogwash by Adly, is to reject the state budget during the coming state assembly from November 18 to 26 as a way of probably moving a no-confidence motion against him as chief minister.

While horse trading may not be an alien practice for many desperate politicians, ordinary Malaysians who voted for PH in the last general election for a meaningful change do not take such shenanigans kindly if they turn out to be true.

It is as loathsome as finding certain PH component parties accepting spent politicians of the previous regime, known for their wayward ways or racist streak, with the underlying goal of bolstering their numerical strength in the coalition.

Right-thinking Malaysians do not like their votes and political choices to be traded among scheming politicians in a cavalier fashion for sheer political expediency. 

Malaysians can do without politicians who cannot see beyond their navel, their narrow and dangerous agenda, especially those who pursue their heinous goals under the cover of supposed ethnic or communal harmony.

To be clear, concerned Malaysians want politicians whose views and actions take into consideration the larger interests and future of the diverse nation.

They essentially want a new Malaysia that is democratic, progressive, prosperous, harmonious and inclusive.

Equally important, they certainly want the new PH government to do away with the corrupt and undemocratic practices that were closely associated with the previous administration.

While those politicians are supposedly busy with their insidious schemes, it is useful for the others to remember that there are a lot of work to be done for the general welfare of the people.

As Adly rightly pointed out, time should be spent on honouring the people’s mandate.

For example, the economy needs fixing so that, among other things, the hardship of the poor and the B40, and unemployment among youth are addressed adequately.

The high cost of living demands unwavering attention and concerted action of the powers-that-be too.

Public policies that are ethnically divisive and exclusionary will have to be revisited so that future socio-economic programmes are meant to benefit every citizen. 

The increasing play of race and religion must be tackled head-on by ruling politicians who should be concerned about ethnic harmony and peaceful and prosperous future for the younger generations.

They should not play into the hands of devious politicians whose forte is race baiting.

Democratic institutions need to be strengthened so that diabolical schemes of politicians, especially those who come into power, will be made difficult and arduous, and reach an ignominious end.

These institutions are to see to it that justice prevails at the end of the day.

There is also a huge reform that needs to be undertaken in the educational sector in helping to prepare the younger generation not only for the job market, but also to help build a nation that values knowledge and truth seeking, encourages critical thinking, celebrates diversity of opinions and peoples, and emphasises intellectual freedom and justice.

“Backdoor politics” must be cast aside in favour of the Malaysian vote for a beneficial and wide-ranging change in society. – October 27, 2019.