Malaysia’s political scene is in upheaval. Friends are foes, and foes are friends. Alliances no longer rest on trust, respect or shared ideals, but on raw calculation and momentary advantage.
Political bonds are tenuous, dependent entirely on circumstance, and dissolve as soon as they cease to serve self-interest.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the so-called unity government at federal level, where Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) share power. But “unity” is a misnomer. Their marriage is one of convenience, unconsummated by genuine commitment. PH has been remarkably generous, handing BN more ministerial posts than its parliamentary numbers warrant. Yet BN’s behaviour reveals its true intentions.
At federal level, BN plays the faithful junior partner. In states where it holds sway, however, its disdain is unmistakable. In Johor and Melaka, BN flaunts its authority with open contempt for PH. But it was in Negeri Sembilan that BN’s treachery became undeniable: 14 Umno assemblymen attempted a coup against the PH Menteri Besar, exploiting palace intrigue in a failed bid to seize control. This speaks volumes about the pretence of friendship.
BN’s duplicity sharpened when it secretly courted Pas, its partner’s adversary, both in Negeri Sembilan and nationally. This is a stark reminder of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s pre-election war cry: “No Anwar, No DAP.” That mantra was conveniently shelved when Zahid secured the deputy prime minister’s post, but it has now been quietly resurrected as BN aligns itself with its old Islamist rival.
The political predators are circling. Pas, the opportunist party with little grassroots support in Johor, cynically instructed its members to vote for BN in constituencies it did not contest during the recent state election – even at the expense of its own coalition partner, Bersatu. The result was a disaster for Perikatan Nasional, with all its candidates losing, some forfeiting their deposits. Pas’s ploy was transparent: ensure Malay Muslim control of the state government, no matter the cost to its allies. Such treachery exposes its true agenda.
This chauvinistic rhetoric of Malay entitlement and supremacy threatens Malaysia’s future. Political leaders inflame racial sentiment, urging Malays to vote only for Malay candidates regardless of party. These calls undermine the Madani government’s efforts to build a harmonious multiracial nation, calcifying ethnic divisions that could take generations to heal.
The unity government operates under a crippling trust deficit. PH ministers cannot fully trust their BN colleagues, suspecting they are merely biding their time to undermine the administration. It is like offering a hand of friendship while the other hand holds a knife behind the back. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim faces the unenviable task of governing with partners who harbour veiled hostility and political animosity.
This unholy union of self-serving politicians bodes ill for national cohesion. They manufacture dissension for personal gain, deceiving the public with empty promises while plundering national wealth. The electorate, trapped in archaic mindsets, remains easily swayed by rhetoric and unable to see through political subterfuge.
The national franchise has become a ruse, constantly abused by parties that misuse the mandate entrusted to them. As a provincial referendum looms in one of Malaysia’s unique customary kingdoms, citizens must use wisdom to select representatives of integrity. They must ignore venomous diatribes and choose leaders who serve with humility and pride, rather than self-interest.
Until the masses recognise the patterns of lies and subterfuge that define Malaysian politics, this conundrum will persist. The only path forward lies in an electorate wise enough to see through political gamesmanship and demand genuine accountability.
For all the shifting alliances and cynical manoeuvring, the ultimate responsibility rests with the people.
If they continue to fall for empty rhetoric, the political predators will keep prospering – and the nation will keep paying the price.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not represent that of Twentytwo13.
