THE POLITICS OF RECONCILIATION

THE POLITICS OF RECONCILIATION

Why can’t the prime minister meet the leader of the opposition of Malaysia outside of parliamentary debate? Why can’t they be like Cameron and Miliband jousting in the House of Commons but can discuss policy issues and national interests together without any qualms? Isn’t our parliamentary democracy modeled on Britain’s Westminster? In the USA, Democrat President Obama can meet and engage in any bi-partisan forum, appoint a Republican in his cabinet  and dispatch republican envoys on special missions for the sake of national interests.

Why must there be a cat and mouse game in Jakarta sometime ago just because two leading political figures of the country have something common to deliberate for the good of the nation but fear their supporters’ reactions? Surely their party and membership should have matured over decades of democracy and more than half a century of independence to weather their perceptions and fears. They must be nurtured to trust their leaders. There must be sanity, rationality and strong leadership in the course of charting the country’s political future in these troubled times.

FOR RECONCILIATION

Geo political developments and foreign interference in national politics is a real threat. Being a Muslim democracy and a vibrant economy attracts the attention and concern of countries especially  world superpowers seeking hegemony over everything on earth. Malaysia can never face up to an array of political onslaughts in the form of trade, social, cultural, financial and economic order forced upon it if it is not in a position of strength holistically. Although Malaysia is remarkably stable in terms of ethnic relations, internal and external forces continue to ferment problems and issues to exacerbate potential disorder. Religious tension is being callously spawned and spun about by irresponsible forces.

Events in the Middle East and beyond have shown a pattern of political destabilization and a series of direct open Western intervention in national internal affairs resulting in national disasters. Regimes and governments are propped up, sanctioned, dictated and removed according to Western whims, wishes and motives. Only a unified Malaysia can face up to these immense challenges heading our way sooner than later.

15 years is too long a time spent in political in fighting and continuous power struggle over  the gross injustices of 1998 and  the decrepit political legacy of criminalizing political opponents.  It is time to move on and forge a new way out of the political mess. This 15 year old political muddle and burdensome baggage has sapped and corrupted all of our institutions, civil society and poisoned our masses, polarizing our citizens. There has to be a renewal of ethical politics, an exhaustive attempt at politics of accommodation, upholding the principles of truth and justice. Both sides must come to the table with these broad confidence building measures.

Negative publicity , scurrilous attacks and propaganda wars must cease and the media reigned in to allow the confidence measures to sink in. There has to be a commitment to truth and later on, a truth commission may be suggested to establish it but never to become a witch hunt.

The politics of accommodation whether leading to a possible coalition or to provide real solutions to national problems have to be cemented in unshakeable form and  must not be only an avenue or art of realpolitik only to be reneged upon once back in absolute power. An assurance in the form of a council of impartial and respectable elders, sound academics and honourable religious scholars may be a way to ensure compliance and a common pledge.

AGAINST RECONCILIATION

It is seen as a trap to cause friction within the PR and makes it liable to implode a break up of the alliance. Surely the moral compact binding the alliance is able to sustain such shock and its leadership’s mutual trust and understanding of each other is outstanding for are they not ready to rule the country.

It is said that neither side has the will, the competency nor capability to carry this concord. This is a valid critic and the one that could make or break  reconciliation. This has to be a major point of discussion and an important assurance caveat in the event of successful talks. A repeat of the chickening out and frizzling of an initiative on political accommodation in 2004 must not be repeated.

FIRST STEP

Meet and discuss without feeling insecure, distrustful or fearful. This shall open the way for more avenues and opportunities of reconciliation. A list of policies and directions agreed upon makes a good start. Say, the constitution, the position of religion and religious freedom, the position of the Malays and Malaysian citizens, education, economy  and external threats can be starters.

The following agenda has been suggested by a senior political leader  for a national reconciliation dialogue - the deepening economic crisis,  national educational standards, good governance and integrity, security and safety, and urgently needed nation building and national unity.

Time is of the essence.