ONE of the greatest tragedies of current Malaysian politics is harping on issues that are imaginary or picking on certain emotional issues that overrides all other issues.

In other words, politicians from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional (PN) are comfortable with certain issues that seem to define them while ignoring real ones embedded in Malaysian reality.

For example, ethnic based parties like PAS, Bersatu and Umno, who are concerned about championing ethno-religious rights, have been a complete failure in addressing the social security issues of the working class, who are predominantly Malay.

For instance, the depletion of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) savings, mostly concerning the Bumiputera community aged 55 and below who  comprise 65% of 15.8 million members, contribute just 40% of the RM930 billion in total savings the fund held in this category prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

As for May, the figure had dropped to only 34% of the current total savings of RM1.06 trillion in this category.

It is obvious that PN has no idea how to resolve this issue but seeks green light for more EPF withdrawals for political expediency, denying the real issue of depleted savings.

There is so much opposition to LGBT rights in the name of exclusivity of religion that would bring it votes, while being ignorant of real issues that goes far deeper, such as gender ideology.

Gender ideology is the concern of all faiths. There could be a common consensus of its destructive effects to society if it is not narrowed down to the exclusivity of a particular religion for the sake of political power.

While PH politicians propagate, that inflation has gone down by 2.8% in May from 3.3% in the previous month, but the reality is food prices are still high and depletes the income of the B40 community. One has to just go into any restaurants in Ipoh and see the spike in price in spite of so-called lower inflation.

The cost of e-hailing transport that has gone up astronomically depending on certain hours puts pressure on B40 students, whose only mode of transport to colleges. Is this not the real issue where we have poor or inefficient public transport that does serve the interest of the urban poor?

As for DAP, its main concern is what would happen to multi-ethnic Malaysia if there is a PAS-led PN victory in the state elections. If PH wins big it will be due to non-Muslims fearing PAS, but DAP would interpret the result in a broader way that people also support its reclamation projects in Penang. 

The livelihood of fishermen and the imminent damage to coastal ecosystems due to island reclamation are real issues, but swept under the carpet due the constant ethno-religious fear of the other.

It is hoped that politicians on both sides of the divide honestly address the issues above as the nation prepares for election in six states.

Democracy is not merely who wins and loses an election. Its effectiveness resides in addressing real issues that affect the public.

It is a pity that Malaysian politicians are still not up to the standards of integrity in addressing real issues and this makes a mockery of our democracy. – July 23, 2023.

* Ronald Benjamin is secretary for the Association for Welfare Community and Dialogue.

* 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.