I remember an email exchange back at the time when emails are still a novelty, in the early 90s when I was a still a student. We were discussing student activism and what Malaysia needs to move forward. My email correspondent who has had a large degree of success since then, is seen now as a public figure CEO, responded to my negativism-laced comment that this is so typical of the Malaysian attitude of "This is M.A.L.A.Y.S.I.A" and paraphrasing liberally as it's been over a couple of decades since that exchange, reforms are hard.
Since then, we had the Anwar Ibrahim sacking and conviction - gory in all its lurid detail, (celebrated by gays though as a victory!), the gaping holes in the investigation, prosecution and court handling. Most disappointing of all was the polarized voting patterns, the Malays who now dared to break ranks with UMNO for what is seen as an unethical breach of maligning a pious leader were outflanked by the block Chinese votes backing the ruling party (mainly due to stabilizing the economy, and a cynical mind will mischievously include especially as there was a tax exemption due to the falling economy). The effect was a silenced UMNO, a lackey Deputy (relative to Anwar as a deputy) and a spineless coalition ruling the party.
Now we have a financial scandal brewing, social media (who let's face it are not the best witnesses for major rulings) amplifying reports, comments, investigations made by foreign countries. No satisfactory answer has been forthcoming, and as a result a silenced UMNO, a lackey Deputy and a spineless opposition. In the meantime, all the national issues and challenges are swept under the carpet. Oh, and worsening polarization. And I can see manifestations of this in real-time.
So, how do we resolve the 1MDB issue?
First, work on the basis of principles. If we demand transparency on our leaders when there's a charge of impropriety in financial transactions, so must we on purchase of high-value properties.
If a coalition partner are diametrically opposed in an issue, resolve this on the basis of what works for the rakyat. Look at the demographics. Lets not import wholesale ideas, outdated or sometimes ideologically incompatible. If there's good in the ruling party, government, security services, oil and gas and others like.. (uh, say where the Malays are successful at), here's an idea, why not complement them instead of tearing them down. If there's bad, offer constructive criticism.
Second, replace the outdated politicians. Especially the ones who play victims all the time. Aiyah.. penat tengok la.. you know who you are.
Third, strengthen the institutions. Put some really strong, successful, charismatic business leaders and then leave them alone. Stop interfering. At the end of the day, accountability is the first rule for all. There must be still a few out there who are from a neutral, apolitical, non-sycopanthic pool of people. (I hope).
Now - coming back to the beginning. At the end of the day, how is this major impropriety and four letter word likely to be closed? That's right, push it under the carpet, put it into the closet and lock the door.
Next GE, status quo. Minority opposition leaders happy with their outsized voice as a minority opposition leader of a minority race and a large segment of unhappy people from the majority race.
If that be the case of these unhappy times, the conclusion for Malaysia is dark. No principles, no benefit, no use.
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