Stop dreaming about elections

One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely a politician’s objective. Election and power are. — Cal Thomas, American writer

Why? Our last general election (GE15) was barely two years ago, in November 2022.

The unity government headed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister is only 20 months old.

And what have we been hearing of late? The sickening, selfish voices of politicians talking about GE16 and making earnest preparations for it, as if polling has been scheduled for tomorrow.

It seems that many of our politicians only worry about the next election and they cannot stop dreaming of elections.

This is what is wrong with our career politicians — the group who depends on politics for a living. Those who have been defeated in an election just could not wait for the next one to take place.

Then, there are the restless ones who won in the polls but were not given plum jobs in the government. This group also wants the election to be called soon as they need another opportunity to have their selfish interests served.

Of course, there are decent, genuine and sincere men and women in politics too but, unfortunately, the many wayward politicians known to be self-serving and corrupt have given Malaysian politicians a bad name.

Sadly, those dreaming of elections to get what they want for themselves are unaware that elections are a central aspect of political life.

Elections provide a pathway for politicians to achieve their goals, serve their constituents and influence the future direction of their communities and countries.

Sadly again, selfish politicians have lost sight of these noble aims of their chosen profession.

Elections are a democratic process that validates a politician’s ideas, leadership and capability to govern. Winning an election provides legitimacy and a mandate from the people.

In Malaysia however, winning an election does not necessarily mean that the victorious party is assured of governing the full five-year term. Who can forget the Sheraton Move of 2020 when the duly elected Pakatan Harapan government was ousted by traitors from within?

Of late, we are hearing more of the same political treachery from within which is a serious and often damaging occurrence in the political sphere. It refers to acts of betrayal, deceit or sabotage carried out by individuals within the same political party or government.

Last Sunday, Utusan Malaysia carried out a report of purported talks between PAS and Umno leaders to discuss cooperation ahead of the GE16.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari revealed this, claiming a series of meetings with Umno leaders had taken place recently.

The Pasir Mas MP claimed the meetings were held informally between the key leaders of both parties, giving hope to efforts towards reconciling Malay voters.

Umno is an important partner in the Madani government while PAS is with the opposition Perikatan Nasional. I would not discount the truth of the matter as it is normal for leaders or members of both Malay parties to meet and discuss politics.

What has been denied by Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki is that no official talks among top leaders of the two parties took place.

But Asyraf did not stop there, adding that “I (also) heard that PAS leaders are discussing with Pakatan Harapan, (so) they can also discuss”.

I’m not sure why the Umno leader also brought PH into the picture when there was no mention of PH leaders holding talks with PAS people in the report. Asyraf has better explained himself on the matter.

What is clear is that some elements in Umno and PAS are hoping for elections to be held soon so that their selfish ends can be achieved.

This is the kind of politician that we can do without. The Umno boys who are anti-DAP and blame the party for everything wrong in the government pose the most danger to the stability of the Madani coalition.

Indeed, Umno is the party which should worry Anwar and his PH colleagues the most as it is viewed as the most insecure partner in the Unity Government.

If the Anwar administration falls, it would be Umno who is leading the political betrayal from within. The coalition partners in Sabah and Sarawak will remain loyal to Anwar and his Madani government.

Why, the parties in Sabah and Sarawak have never talked about the coming GE16. The Borneo leaders are more sober and choose to focus on their responsibilities of serving the rakyat, rather than dreaming day and night about elections.

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.