Constructive politics and citizenry - Rais Imran

I think politicians (anywhere in the world, for that matter) can only be as constructive, as to the extent to which we voters, hold them accountable. It's just that in Malaysia, the pervasiveness of politics and politicians, in everything we do, can be rather extreme. And much of it, is due to the historical baggage that we have and our efforts to overcome it.

Let's just take the numbers. Barisan Nasional is made of up of many component parties of which the biggest UMNO, MCA, MIC. As a collective, the membership of these 3 component parties make up at least 4.5 million people, out of a Malaysian citizens base of 24.3 million.

That's approximately 19% and close to one-fifth of total Malaysian citizenship, is Barisan member. That's not counting yet, the other Barisan component parties like Gerakan, the coalition of East Malaysian political parties, etc. If we add as well, the PAS membership (which is estimated to be above 600,000 people) and Opposition parties like DAP and Keadilan, etc., it would probably come close to about 6 million people - close to 25% of the total citizenship.

1 in 4 Malaysians, have chosen their political allegiance. More than 75% of members of all local political parties, are from Barisan. That's a lot of people, considering that not all citizens are of voting age or old enough to be in a political party.

It's a unique situation. On the potential side, if the political parties are led well, it has the potential to shape the minds and decisions of the remaining 3
out of 4 Malaysians. If led badly, it also has the potential to corrupt and/or disrupt 3 out of 4 Malaysians, not to mention, making it a very difficult problem to contain.

It's the 3 out of 4 Malaysians, that we popularly call the "silent majority". Most of them come out once every 5 years and consistently give Barisan at least, two-thirds of parliamentary constituencies, each time. (What would generally be termed, "a strong Government") Some states like Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak can usually deliver all 100% of the parliamentary seats, in their states.

So, politics is pervasive in Malaysia. And more so, Barisan politicians are pervasive in Malaysia. And at the apex of Barisan, is UMNO - with 3.2 million
members representing close to 16 million Bumiputras and approximately 66% of the population - and rising.

If the demographic patterns and trends continue - that's a fact that's not going to change, anytime soon. Such big ruling grassroots parties are both a boon and
a bane to to their leaders. On the one hand, such a big support ensures continuity and succession and on the other hand, there are so many of them to "feed", that under a weak leader, the tail may be wagging the dog.

The options is clear: if we choose to have such strong Governments (read: anywhere between 67% - 90% of Parliamentary seats) and a weak Opposition, then the only effective check and balance that we have - are the citizens ourselves and the media, both print and electronic. Having said that, a few measures that I would suggest for having more constructive politics in Malaysia, going forward (and from there, constructive politicians hopefully) are as follows:-

Understand the effects of globalization and educate others about it. It's a fact of life and it's here to stay. Manufacturing jobs are being outsourced to cheaper countries, market barriers and tariffs are coming down, foreign players are coming in and we have to compete and get into the markets of others, government subsidies and protection are getting harder to sustain in all areas, goods and services are getting cheaper globally, our growth is dependent on exports and we have no choice but to move up the value chain, to more value-added goods, services and technology.

Quality of education, human capital and migration trends of global human capital, are paramount considerations for building international competitiveness. It's a dense message to convey, but it will be the most important message in our lifetime, if we are to ensure Malaysia's continued survival. It's not about whether you believe in the free market theories or not.

The problem with economic ideologies is that it does not tell you how to govern the unique political circumstances of your country. Only you can determine that. It's about governing Malaysia and what's suitable for it, in the short and long run, considering our unique multi-ethnic demographics and circumstances and restructuring of society efforts, through redressing economic imbalances - which is key to our political stability.

Once we understand what's coming, get yourself in the mindframe and shoes of those who lead the country. Try to understand their difficulties and constraints, but nevertheless, consider all options. Discuss, debate, research and weigh all the possibilities and options, with many parties and experts.

Listen, question, check your facts, absorb and ponder. Always be open to the possibility that you might be wrong - intellectual integrity is a must. Consider the sensitivities of all, in coming up with any suggestions.

Concede where you must, but do not compromise on points which will threaten the long-term survival of the country. Keep what you can and what is crucial, to national sovereignty and political stability. Relinquish the parts which you cannot protect or which is not sustainable.

Always protect the poor, but start drawing lines against people who are highly educated, rich and undeserving of further help. And after that, disseminate and educate. Start with your family, relatives and workplace.

Talk to your MPs and Ministers, send letters and memorandums to Ministries and newspapers. Go make friends with Dato' Shahrir Samad and the Backbenchers Club and help keep their newly-appointed researchers informed. The Backbenchers need data, feedback and information to keep the Government in check.

Demand that Parliamentary proceedings be televised, so that our elected parliamentarians know that they cannot act like children and bigots, on taxpayers'
money. And if they do, publicly censure them, via the media. Join an organisation/NGO of your choice, get on the ground and know the issues.

Attend policy dialogues and help monitor the effectiveness and consistency of
Government implementation. Remember, what doesn't get informed - doesn't get resolved. Where you can, help with the implementation - if not at the national level, then at your local level. Every little bit helps.

Expose corruption and abuses and if necessary, call Karam Singh Walia of TV3. And more importantly, educate others on globalization(especially the poor and the underprivileged) that do not yet know what's coming and tell them what they can do to help themselves. Break it up into easy chunks to understand (like Dr. M always did in his speeches) and relate it to issues in their everyday life.

They have to know the issues, so that they can be prepared for the necessary changes and not be shell-shocked when it comes. They have to know the issues, so that they would not be fooled by political demagogues, who constantly play the race card, to gain support and votes. Or for these party demagogues to resist some of the necessary
reforms, that the PM is pushing for.

They have to know the issues, so that necessary assistance allocated to the poor, are actually given to the poor, ONLY - and that the middle class and the rich do not unfairly ride on their backs, of their "eradication of poverty" entitlement. Fight with the "big picture" in mind - it will be a long, hard and often, frustrating road. But keep yourself going, with small victories here and there.

If you've done your bit to make Malaysia a better place, you've been a good citizen.
If we make the average Malaysian more informed and hold our politicians accountable in check with facts, knowledge, monitoring of Government policies/implementation and voluntary on-the-ground initiatives (as opposed to purely emotional and racial sentiment) - you will find the quality of debate and constructiveness of our politicians in Parliament, will improve. After all, we can only expect from our politicians, what we ourselves would be willing to do, in their shoes.

Constructive politics begins with constructive citizenry. And bear in mind - that Malaysia a very complex country to govern - both good and bad.