Critical Thoughts

Still overjoyed and cannot get over the euphoria and “high” over the massive Opposition (now Government) of the Barisan Alternatif in five states. This propaganda piece by Zahid Hamidi which I happen to come across certainly sounds so hollow now.

Quoting from him:

They come up with baseless accusations and allegations to run down leaders hoping that by doing so they will be able to sway the voters to their side. The opposition also takes advantage of petty economic issues, the rise in prices, allocation of projects and local issues at the campaign venues. The opposition pact is established to utilise each other’s strength within the pact. However, the partnership is temporary in nature.

“Petty economic issues”, he says. Most unfortunately for him, it certainly does seem to work well in denying BN a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

I have always advocated the emergence of a two-party system in the country, or considering our unique situation, a two-party coalition bloc system which can serve as a check-and-balance measure to ensure an efficient administration and proper running of services in order to stifle corruption and promote good governance.

This seems to me to be coming close to reality now. No longer are we being inhibited by the party symbol of the dacing, bulan, roket or mata. It is all about issues and how leaders ensure that they fulfill their election promises and allay the fears and hopes of the people. I am well aware of the issues surrounding the opposition coalition, especially with regard to political ideologies. But as it stands now, there are enough representation from the Muslims in the coalition to act as a check-and-balance to the extremist secularism of that party in question.

As to where I stand, my allegiance is to the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party and that will not change, even if the party were to lose all its seats in the future or be left with only one seat (God forbid!). I do have several reservations and concerns about the DAP and that party as a whole, being well aware of their history in Penang, and I make no secret of the fact that I loathe their secularist stance and their promotion of extremist Chinese chauvinism. But I voted for them in Serdang because I realised that the Opposition needed a strong presence in Parliament. And with PAS and PKR making up the bulk of the coalition to serve as a check-and-balance if the DAP ever goes out of line, I think for now I am willing to tolerate this alliance.