Life has a fluctuating rhythm of ups and downs, an existential norm that gives dynamism to our existence and endeavours.
There are moments when we are happy and moments when we are sad. There are times we win, and times we lose. Likewise, there are days when we are healthy and sick.
These are all tests of our resilience, steadfastness, faith, courage, strength and weakness of character, revealing our moral fibre and ethical principles when confronted with life’s vicissitudes.
Life is full of conundrums, many of which are beyond man’s comprehension. However, those within the range of human intellect lend themselves to reason, with predictable but variable outcomes depending on the circumstances, human emotional quotient and intellect. These conundrums are reflected in human activities involving family, work and play.
Politics is one aspect of man’s vocation.
Politics is the activity of resolving affairs and problems in an organised society. It carries the responsibility of addressing issues for the benefit and welfare of the people in an accountable and honest manner.
This is the utopian concept of politics. In real life, politics is polluted to varying degrees by subterfuge, animosity, greed, selfishness, chauvinism and provincialism, depending on the sincerity, integrity and moral fibre of the respective partisan enclave. It contributes to the myriad problems that plague humanity.
This reflects Malaysian politics.
The recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections have shown voter realignment towards existing political parties as a result of new understanding and seat-sharing between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pas, as well as campaigning tactics – some involving familiar tropes and propaganda – that eroded support for Pakatan Harapan (PH), consisting of PKR, Amanah and DAP.
As usual, DAP was the bogeyman, with claims about the party controlling the Negeri Sembilan palace, fear-mongering about undermining and abolishing Malay rights, and attempts to tarnish Islam.
The critics twisted the Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report, claiming that Pakatan Harapan sold its assets to non-Malays, instead of acknowledging the truth about PH salvaging RM10 billion in losses attributed to Umno’s malfeasance, misappropriation and fraud.
To further add to the racist stance, Pas asked Malay voters to vote only for Malay candidates, irrespective of political affiliations.
The gullible voters, especially the Malays, swallowed these narratives, hook, line and sinker.
Within Pakatan Harapan, PKR and Amanah suffered the worst defeats, while DAP managed to maintain almost the status quo, apart from a minimal loss of seats.
Yet DAP felt betrayed by the electorate, especially Chinese voters. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s loss in Chennah was the straw that broke the camel’s back, prompting him to resign as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman.
On Aug 16, more than 4,000 DAP delegates will decide whether to stay in or withdraw from the Federal Government.
DAP is currently suffering anxiety and depression, slighted by its total rout in Sabah and the loss of several seats, including some important ones, in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls.
It has rationalised the losses as a consequence of being part of the unity government and abiding by its moderate policies of serving all Malaysians. Perhaps Chinese voters wanted DAP to be more chauvinistic, despite its claim of being a multi-racial party, which it is not.
It is a fallacy to think that leaving the government would instantly restore its appeal among Chinese voters.
Not only in politics, but in life as a whole, there are ups and downs. There is no such thing as experiencing ups all the way. There are times when you are down in the dumps.
But to sulk, fret and blame others for one’s condition is a defeatist attitude. One would have thought DAP would be the party that, when the going gets tough and challenging, would fight on instead of shying away and quitting.
This is the time PH and the Government need all the support they can get from their coalition partners. Perhaps DAP should learn from MCA, which “swims and sinks” with BN.
MCA was down for many years, but it stuck with BN through thick and thin, showing resilience and dedication.
Now, with Malay support, MCA is making a so-called comeback.
DAP should cast off its self-pity and remorse, and start soul-searching about its political relevance, as a Chinese, or multi-racial party.
DAP ministers are hard-working and have been doing a good job, despite the criticism hurled at them by Perikatan Nasional and BN. As such, DAP should continue contributing and not abandon the coalition and, more importantly, think of its responsibility to all Malaysians and not just to its members.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not represent those of Twentytwo13.
