LETTERS: An essay titled "Malay Politics: Parlous Condition, Continuing Problems" written by Prof Khoo Boo Teik published by Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute claimed that the Perikatan Nasional government's attempt to portray itself as the new champion of Malay-Muslim unity is a sham.
Although cast as a "Malay-Muslim front" to combat the multi-ethnic Pakatan Harapan, PN has "exposed an unacknowledged disorder of the political system, the parlous state of their Malay politics," the Aliran member wrote.
He also listed four problems in Malay politics - absence of Malay unity, unresolved claims, extreme party factionalism and subverted leadership transitions. Khoo also described the PN government as a regime fixated on surviving the machinations of its allies to the point it neglected policy-making during a time of pandemic and economic contraction.
Right from the start, Khoo had not a single good thing to say about the PN government. To me, his allegations against PN are nothing but stereotyping. As an academician, Khoo should not have generalised as it is uncalled for and unfair.
To prove his point on the PN government's weaknesses and the Malay's precarious political situation, he should have conducted, say a survey, where he could get data or information, instead of just making sweeping statements. A comprehensive survey will provide accuracy and clarity for his essay like what was done by a think-tank, Emir Research, recently.
The think-tank conducted a survey, involving more than 2,500 respondents, to gauge the acceptance of people towards the PN government. The "Pulse From The Ground" quarterly poll of the third quarter 2020, covered the well-being of the nation, living conditions of the rakyat and socioeconomic and political issues. It found that 55 per cent of Malaysians think the formation of the PN government has been the country's saviour.
In terms of ethnic perspective, the majority of the Bumiputera in Sabah and Sarawak and Malays agreed that PN is a viable government while in terms of the rural-urban divide, 53 per cent of rural dwellers were of the opinion that the PN government is viable compared to 40 per cent of urbanites – a significant 13 per cent difference.
Khoo also seems biased and one-sided on the part where he wrote that the PH coalition, of which DAP is part of, is not anti-Malay in its economic policies or financial management but was painted as such to stoke fears. What exactly does he mean by this? That the ruling government, PN which consists of Malay-based parties, are painting PH/DAP in such a way to instil fear?
It is human nature to generalise and make mistakes, but what Khoo has done is irresponsible and bordering on provocation. He should have shown some degree of maturity, balance and responsibility in his writing.
I also wonder what makes him think that the PN government is attempting to portray itself as the new champion of Malay-Muslim unity and Malay politics. From media reports, Malaysians, including myself, could sense that the prime minister did not really engage himself in politics. His time and focus was on addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.
When the restrictive movement measures were imposed, we never heard him saying anything about politics whenever he was on air. The televised addresses he made were only on government aid and incentives for people and businesses badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
PN is surely a caring government as we can see aid in so many forms, including moratorium for loan borrowers, given to all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, colour or creed.
Another of Khoo's claim is that the PN government is fixated on surviving the machinations of its allies so much so it neglected policy-making. Since the past few weeks, opposition members and some politicians facing criminal charges in court are still making attempts to wrest power from Muhyiddin. Even until today, they are still at it!
But the prime minister, if Khoo notices, together with his cabinet members, has not been sidetracked in coming up with development policies for the nation.
That is why the government has won praises from economists, analysts, observers and other professionals as reported in the media.
They have expressed confidence in Muhyiddin's ability to govern the country. To bolster cooperation between political parties, the prime minister is said to have proposed the formation of a presidential council as a platform to discuss all government policies.
Muhyiddin also said the government may expand its bipartisan cooperation with the opposition beyond the 2021 Budget by inviting them to sit on certain government meetings such as the Economic Action Council and Covid-19 management meeting. What does this mean? Simply, he wants the people to benefit from the opposition's views.
Malaysia has been acknowledged as among the countries most successful in managing the pandemic in the earlier stage of the outbreak and for its efforts in implementing various economic stimulus packages to help the people which it is still carrying out until today.
So, let us all, Professor, be grateful for the peace and prosperity the country enjoys and be kind enough to give credit where it is due.
Mohd Hasanul Bakti
Batu Pahat, Johor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times