Regality of politics
By Rashid Yusof
February 16, 2009
Categories: Opinion Beguiling isn’t it, that the Istana has been recurring throughout our political history without hardly ever uttering a political comment. Going forward, the monarchy shall feature in our centennial year of 2057, chosen here as a signpost to signify longevity and to try and anticipate the tone of future politics. As for the rest, from the substance of mainstream politics to the influence wielded by the Dewan Negara and mainstream media, among others, their place in the centennial year is open to interpretation, hard work, and strategy. In more recent times, the royal reckoning in our breathless politics can be traced to Nov 10, 2007 with the Bersih March to Istana Negara starring leaders of what is now Pakatan Rakyat. Even as the palace gates were either by convenience (of politicians) or convergence of issues transformed into picturesque focal points, the monarchy on its own has been stoic in witnessing (and presiding over) the ebb-and-flow of political conduct since 1946. The political scenario then featured the old aristocrats, educators, traders, linguists, writers and the Left. This era had two crescendos. The aggravations of 1959 when Dr Lim Chong Eu (now Tun) quit the MCA presidency was one – a period being analysed intimately by a former Cabinet Minister. His book, when it appears, shall infuse important arguments into national discourse. The second peak of this period was May 13, the only occasion when the military had to intervene. That our soldiers have not been sighted on the streets since is testimony to our first-class political behaviour by big picture standards. Fast forward. Lawyers, who seemed to flock as a political force during the (Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad era, have since had to share prominence in shaping public opinion with a posse of economists, financial experts and journalists who have turned to blogging with aplomb. The realm of politics badly needs politicians to produce more clincher arguments to restore balances. Educators and language activists, sensing their causes are somewhat sidelined in this political era, may still make their way belatedly to the mainstream by briefing columnists and editors, and by writing with panache in the tradition of my-now favourite political commentator Dollah Kok Lanas (Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad). The mainstream political theatre is designed by the electorate, which, in turn, is the target of endless spinning, of glib, outright lies and of a smattering of facts. The relentless politics since 1946 has in some ways buttressed national political sense, muscle and resilience. Surely, it is a credit to us that this nation is now able to juggle strident political machinations, by-elections, party polls and economic strains all at once. Still some tweaking shall be necessary for the Bukit Gantang by-election so that we could have some sleep and be productive. Bukit Gantang is about sending another policy hawk, effective communicator-thinker, media-friendly and savvy networker politician to Parliament. The centennial year is not too far off. Hopefully by then, the media in whatever form will not have to be preoccupied with parliamentary heckling. Political subterfuges have been played over many theatres. Delegations were dispatched to and summoned by the Istana, which last “spoke” in Perak, deftly avoiding a political fracas during economic turmoil. Having heard eloquent speeches on development politics, political Islam, tales of political devotion to the rakyat at ground level, the political theatre of Bukit Gantang should conversely be shifted to national television. The political oratory of (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim is admired, but should the rakyat not judge the competencies of actual candidates? Put them on television for a series of debate and save us the bile of a negative campaign. Panglima Bukit Gantang was a towering lawyer-politician from a different era. In his honour, let us hear the candidates speak while all others could devote more hours to saving jobs, Pakatan leaders included. They do happen to govern four States. We should congratulate ourselves for not being overly acrimonious despite the doses of “kamikaze” politics, laced with general recklessness and absolute “kiasu”-ness. It is a great asset that the Malay Rulers pack hundreds of years of political knowledge. This has turned them into the most astute political observers. They grant audience to their Menteris Besar every week. They speak at the openings of the Dewan Rakyat and Legislative Assembly sessions. The Perak Ruler is additionally a foremost legal mind. Is it naïve to expect political persuasions that engineer surreptitious opposition against the Istana to reflect, with the benefit of history, the oncoming political chapters?
● As a journalist in the 1980s and 1990s, Rashid Yusof (che.rashid@gmail.com) on occasion, camped outside the palace gates in Kuala Lumpur and various other States witnessing political events unfold.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Malay Mail .. Shed Pele
Of mood, agility and impulses
By Rashid Yusof
February 09, 2009
Categories: Opinion
For some time now, a 24-hour relentless news and opinion-peddling culture has made politics appear more animated and irritable than it actually is.
The ceaseless news-commentary cycle coupled with shifting moods must have taken its toll on our collective political mind. Consider the need to be unfailingly agile negotiating political mood despite the hours. How about sleep, peace of mind and attendant objectivity?
After another 95 minutes of EPL action, a friend emailed, seeking views on politics rather provocatively. Elsewhere, agitated commentators have been jumping out of bed or seem to simply materialise, swarming a new blog post at surprising hours. Don’t they ever sleep?
The appearance of a two-party system induced by the March 2008 elections has, meanwhile, created two neat columns of "for" and "against". Notice how rapidly opinion was sorted out in the Perak episode.
One may have been admiring the erudite personalities making up the monarchy but when a decision falls in the "for" or "against" column, the admiration is inexplicably thrown into some doubt when the circumstances have actually been altered.
Will the two-party system remain? There are those who suggest the top-most Pakatan leader is irreplaceable or that it is (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, more than anybody and anything else, who has glued the disparate parties together. We should not underestimate the availability of talents in our midst either.
Our two-party system could be as lasting as the American one or turn out to be more complicated as Israeli politics has demonstrated. We grew up reading about Labour (doves) and Likud (hawks) sharing the 120-seat Knesset. There are more parties now; everyone, it appears, is for bombing the Palestinians. "The doves have died," proclaimed a BBC reporter.
Should the two-party system survive the next elections, chances are everyone will be wiser because this is a road we have traversed. Still, mood, impulses and prejudices shall figure.
On the contrary, if a single coalition regains the dominance, they are unlikely to repeat past mistakes. Incorrigible optimist?
In either case, those "for" and "against" persuasions should not be terribly predictable and confrontational. Which is why a big concern is the worn-out crowd – those who suggest they are exiting politics, citing its conduct as a put-off. We are too young a nation with too many young impressionable voters. We cannot afford the luxury of losing the brains, the talents, because of disillusionment with politics; we need them to enrich discourse.
Still on mood-shift and agility, I didn’t like the shrill-tone of my email-reply on Sunday morning, accusing those who don’t care about politics as "cowards". That, despite a Liverpool win. They, the disillusioned must have their justifiable reasons.
Yes, the conduct of politics can be tiresome but these are sideshows; sometimes they are inevitable. The outcome of the Perak State elections in March 2008 was inconclusive, thus making sure ensuing politics was always going to be fluid.
Pakatan Rakyat, much to its credit, was able to put together a workable government but like a great many new coalitions throughout the world, it crumbled. The Ruler has since turned to the other party, the one led by Umno which could have in fact tried to cobble together a minority government in the days after the March elections.
A surplus of opinion has visited us since. A friend said she "is at a loss as to who is right". The issues are perhaps more intractable than we are prepared to acknowledge. For instance, when Anwar promoted the idea of mass party-hopping to facilitate Sept 16, some activists and intellectuals were muted, only to tear into the manner the BN government of Perak was instituted. This is baffling.
As I was conceiving this lengthy note, the blog owner of Mana-Mana called. He argued that in opposing the ruling by the Istana, Pakatan should know that its dealings with the Istana have not ceased. Win the next general election and it will have to return to the Istana to be sworn in.
Better manage impulses and prejudices? Try making a political argument when we are properly awake, physically fit, objective and cheerful.
● Rashid Yusof (che.rashid@gmail.com) apologises should the tone of this column come across as preachy. The intention is to be upbeat and hopeful.
By Rashid Yusof
February 09, 2009
Categories: Opinion
For some time now, a 24-hour relentless news and opinion-peddling culture has made politics appear more animated and irritable than it actually is.
The ceaseless news-commentary cycle coupled with shifting moods must have taken its toll on our collective political mind. Consider the need to be unfailingly agile negotiating political mood despite the hours. How about sleep, peace of mind and attendant objectivity?
After another 95 minutes of EPL action, a friend emailed, seeking views on politics rather provocatively. Elsewhere, agitated commentators have been jumping out of bed or seem to simply materialise, swarming a new blog post at surprising hours. Don’t they ever sleep?
The appearance of a two-party system induced by the March 2008 elections has, meanwhile, created two neat columns of "for" and "against". Notice how rapidly opinion was sorted out in the Perak episode.
One may have been admiring the erudite personalities making up the monarchy but when a decision falls in the "for" or "against" column, the admiration is inexplicably thrown into some doubt when the circumstances have actually been altered.
Will the two-party system remain? There are those who suggest the top-most Pakatan leader is irreplaceable or that it is (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, more than anybody and anything else, who has glued the disparate parties together. We should not underestimate the availability of talents in our midst either.
Our two-party system could be as lasting as the American one or turn out to be more complicated as Israeli politics has demonstrated. We grew up reading about Labour (doves) and Likud (hawks) sharing the 120-seat Knesset. There are more parties now; everyone, it appears, is for bombing the Palestinians. "The doves have died," proclaimed a BBC reporter.
Should the two-party system survive the next elections, chances are everyone will be wiser because this is a road we have traversed. Still, mood, impulses and prejudices shall figure.
On the contrary, if a single coalition regains the dominance, they are unlikely to repeat past mistakes. Incorrigible optimist?
In either case, those "for" and "against" persuasions should not be terribly predictable and confrontational. Which is why a big concern is the worn-out crowd – those who suggest they are exiting politics, citing its conduct as a put-off. We are too young a nation with too many young impressionable voters. We cannot afford the luxury of losing the brains, the talents, because of disillusionment with politics; we need them to enrich discourse.
Still on mood-shift and agility, I didn’t like the shrill-tone of my email-reply on Sunday morning, accusing those who don’t care about politics as "cowards". That, despite a Liverpool win. They, the disillusioned must have their justifiable reasons.
Yes, the conduct of politics can be tiresome but these are sideshows; sometimes they are inevitable. The outcome of the Perak State elections in March 2008 was inconclusive, thus making sure ensuing politics was always going to be fluid.
Pakatan Rakyat, much to its credit, was able to put together a workable government but like a great many new coalitions throughout the world, it crumbled. The Ruler has since turned to the other party, the one led by Umno which could have in fact tried to cobble together a minority government in the days after the March elections.
A surplus of opinion has visited us since. A friend said she "is at a loss as to who is right". The issues are perhaps more intractable than we are prepared to acknowledge. For instance, when Anwar promoted the idea of mass party-hopping to facilitate Sept 16, some activists and intellectuals were muted, only to tear into the manner the BN government of Perak was instituted. This is baffling.
As I was conceiving this lengthy note, the blog owner of Mana-Mana called. He argued that in opposing the ruling by the Istana, Pakatan should know that its dealings with the Istana have not ceased. Win the next general election and it will have to return to the Istana to be sworn in.
Better manage impulses and prejudices? Try making a political argument when we are properly awake, physically fit, objective and cheerful.
● Rashid Yusof (che.rashid@gmail.com) apologises should the tone of this column come across as preachy. The intention is to be upbeat and hopeful.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tulisan Shed Pele dlm Malay Mail 02.02.2009
Politics shall redeem itself
By Rashid Yusof February 02, 2009 Categories: Opinion
The languid tale of kisah rakyat, or philosophies of the common man, often found in this space shall resume some other time. Politics unleashed last month the nearcapacity of its noise-potential by way of a by-election, a defection, hints of tit-for-tat and the impact of a crackdown on alleged vote-buying.
The atmosphere, as a result, is rather pregnant with politics. For starters, politics was a by-theway stuff when I met Pak Mad who turns 85 in November. I have borrowed heavily from the repertoire of his Penang-speak for the pleasures it gives. An example is duit keluaq kut telinga (‘money oozing out of one’s ears’ – connotating successful business). The stunning simplicity of his ideals and ways – including his passions for travel, food and music – is celebrated by his narrative style of chronicling passages of history backed by his remarkable IT qualities. He is an iconic figure.
When the good Tan Sri (newly minted) graciously turned up the other day at my usual kedai makan after his morning walk, a laughterfilled chat proceeded.
Politics was however far from being casual in subsequent conversations I had had during a whirlwind visit of Kelantan and Terengganu last week.
The Masjid Kristal in Kuala Terengganu, a family in Kota Baru told me, erupted as an issue largely because Muslims are barred from praying there! Most curious, I said, and duly promised to check. At the said mosque a day later, a big crowd converged under the blistering sun marking the definitive monsoon end.
An out-of-town family rolled out the picnic paraphernalia – the whole works. I sauntered into the mosque and prayed. Many others did likewise. No restrictions, nothing.
Muslims are not supposed to boast about their religious duties but I am making a point here as we remain hopeful that the distressing schism triggered by so-routine a matter like electing wakil rakyat and forming government, does not rob us of our head, or terrorise whole populations, and sensibilities.
Should Umno add “Islam” to its name to equalise this cherished, shared pursuit of religious enhancements, I asked a retired educator, at another household in KB, hinting of exasperation at the tone of Malay political divide of decades.
That would not make Umno as Islamic as Pas is, he reasoned. Why so? Because, came the reply, Umno will curb the rise of the ulama in its ranks!
Of a more immediate concern is the question of will politics interfere with the job of managing the economy during a world-scale crisis?
Pakatan Rakyat, despite its Bota “conquest”, shall be restrained about mounting another attempt to usurp power via mass defections of MPs.
Common sense dictates that the Pakatan dreads threading into an economic minefield as the government, one that has to produce instant results.
If the economy slips into a meltdown under Pakatan’s watch, Umno- BN shall secure a landslide victory come 2013, an election that shall also feature six to seven million young voters. This 20-something constituency has a political mind filled with ideals of democracy and of justice, justifiably so. They have been apportioning blame for what they perceive to be transgressions of these virtues. What they distinctly lack is memory of party-hopping of elected representatives. The episode of early-1994 when Parti Bersatu Sabah Adun (State assemblymen) joined BN parties is too distant for them to chew. That makes Bota a powerful landmark as it came at a time of apparently greater civil liberties.
Pakatan may have entered their consciousness as the first offender of a democratic principle, of failure to accord the vote the utmost respect. Sept 16 was not a transgression because there was no actual defection.
Umno-Barisan, on the other hand, allowed Pas to carry on in Kelantan from 2004 to 2008 despite its razorthin edge in the Legislative Assembly, as was the case in pre-Bota Perak.
Politics tends to keep redeeming itself by reverting to the good causes. After a brawl, what? Bring on the good stuff. One ready platform is energising the Senate (Dewan Negara) to match the new-vigour of the Dewan Rakyat. The ruling coalition will earn plaudits for appointing Senators outside the realm of party politics.
The point – generate tangible ideas to draw more into the actual political process, or risk being overwhelmed by the din, derision and fatigue.
● Former journalist on sabbatical Rashid Yusof, in the explicit spirit of full-disclosure, wishes to declare that he is an Umno sympathiser who now serves as a Public Relations person for Rembau MP, Khairy Jamaluddin.
By Rashid Yusof February 02, 2009 Categories: Opinion
The languid tale of kisah rakyat, or philosophies of the common man, often found in this space shall resume some other time. Politics unleashed last month the nearcapacity of its noise-potential by way of a by-election, a defection, hints of tit-for-tat and the impact of a crackdown on alleged vote-buying.
The atmosphere, as a result, is rather pregnant with politics. For starters, politics was a by-theway stuff when I met Pak Mad who turns 85 in November. I have borrowed heavily from the repertoire of his Penang-speak for the pleasures it gives. An example is duit keluaq kut telinga (‘money oozing out of one’s ears’ – connotating successful business). The stunning simplicity of his ideals and ways – including his passions for travel, food and music – is celebrated by his narrative style of chronicling passages of history backed by his remarkable IT qualities. He is an iconic figure.
When the good Tan Sri (newly minted) graciously turned up the other day at my usual kedai makan after his morning walk, a laughterfilled chat proceeded.
Politics was however far from being casual in subsequent conversations I had had during a whirlwind visit of Kelantan and Terengganu last week.
The Masjid Kristal in Kuala Terengganu, a family in Kota Baru told me, erupted as an issue largely because Muslims are barred from praying there! Most curious, I said, and duly promised to check. At the said mosque a day later, a big crowd converged under the blistering sun marking the definitive monsoon end.
An out-of-town family rolled out the picnic paraphernalia – the whole works. I sauntered into the mosque and prayed. Many others did likewise. No restrictions, nothing.
Muslims are not supposed to boast about their religious duties but I am making a point here as we remain hopeful that the distressing schism triggered by so-routine a matter like electing wakil rakyat and forming government, does not rob us of our head, or terrorise whole populations, and sensibilities.
Should Umno add “Islam” to its name to equalise this cherished, shared pursuit of religious enhancements, I asked a retired educator, at another household in KB, hinting of exasperation at the tone of Malay political divide of decades.
That would not make Umno as Islamic as Pas is, he reasoned. Why so? Because, came the reply, Umno will curb the rise of the ulama in its ranks!
Of a more immediate concern is the question of will politics interfere with the job of managing the economy during a world-scale crisis?
Pakatan Rakyat, despite its Bota “conquest”, shall be restrained about mounting another attempt to usurp power via mass defections of MPs.
Common sense dictates that the Pakatan dreads threading into an economic minefield as the government, one that has to produce instant results.
If the economy slips into a meltdown under Pakatan’s watch, Umno- BN shall secure a landslide victory come 2013, an election that shall also feature six to seven million young voters. This 20-something constituency has a political mind filled with ideals of democracy and of justice, justifiably so. They have been apportioning blame for what they perceive to be transgressions of these virtues. What they distinctly lack is memory of party-hopping of elected representatives. The episode of early-1994 when Parti Bersatu Sabah Adun (State assemblymen) joined BN parties is too distant for them to chew. That makes Bota a powerful landmark as it came at a time of apparently greater civil liberties.
Pakatan may have entered their consciousness as the first offender of a democratic principle, of failure to accord the vote the utmost respect. Sept 16 was not a transgression because there was no actual defection.
Umno-Barisan, on the other hand, allowed Pas to carry on in Kelantan from 2004 to 2008 despite its razorthin edge in the Legislative Assembly, as was the case in pre-Bota Perak.
Politics tends to keep redeeming itself by reverting to the good causes. After a brawl, what? Bring on the good stuff. One ready platform is energising the Senate (Dewan Negara) to match the new-vigour of the Dewan Rakyat. The ruling coalition will earn plaudits for appointing Senators outside the realm of party politics.
The point – generate tangible ideas to draw more into the actual political process, or risk being overwhelmed by the din, derision and fatigue.
● Former journalist on sabbatical Rashid Yusof, in the explicit spirit of full-disclosure, wishes to declare that he is an Umno sympathiser who now serves as a Public Relations person for Rembau MP, Khairy Jamaluddin.
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