In the US, they say politicking is endless. As soon as a new president is installed, the campaign for the next one begins in earnest.
I think Malaysia is not far from this scenario today. Our politicking is endless too, judging from the issues being tossed about, from ratifying the ICERD, Malay rights and Islam, the use of the airport VIP lounge and politicians visiting schools, to the annual budget. The focus is never on constructive aspects, but almost always on negative and political aspects.
We prefer to manipulate and lie rather than look at issues rationally and holistically. We prefer to gain political brownie points rather than try to move this nation ahead. Seriously, I think we have spent more time accusing and arguing than thinking and doing.
Do we know why ratifying ICERD is an issue? Because we prefer unfettered entitlements to the equalisation of the inequalities that exist in our society. Our constitution cannot be inherently discriminatory. Our constitution can and will continue to provide protection for the poor and marginalised groups. Any other argument would be spurious.
Do we know why politicians visiting schools is an issue? Because many are habitually parochial, chauvinistic and even racist. They prefer to incite and cause dissension than to inculcate universal values and build a nation free from ideology, religion and race.
I would prefer that politicians with no track record in integrity, hard work, and service to the people not be allowed to visit and preach in schools. We have had too much half-baked preaching in this country; that is why so many people have become archaic or gone astray.
Do we know why the use of the VIP lounge is now an issue? So many factors come to mind. It could be due to politicking in the sense that perhaps certain VIPs are no longer that VIP.
It could also be due to our lack of professionalism in the past. In the past, perhaps, VIPs were not subjected to inspection because we believed they could do no wrong. I suggest it is now time to do things professionally and properly.
We should cut out the feudalistic and subservient mentality once and for all. Whether VIP or not, everyone must be subject to rules and regulations without exception when it comes to customs and immigration inspection, safety and security. It is a fallacy to assume that VIPs will not commit crimes.
Do we know why our national budget and finances are in such a mess? Whenever the new government tries to do something right, there will be accusations of budget cuts, share prices of certain companies being adversely affected and the interests of certain communities being violated.
It is a good thing if share prices of certain companies are negatively affected when the new government becomes more stringent and transparent. It only shows that past practices have given these companies too much economic rent.
And why just be concerned with the size of allocations in the budget when past practices have shown massive misallocations, leakage and pilferage?
The most important consideration is to ensure that allocations are used for the intended purpose and not lost in transit. The intended target groups must benefit from the budget, not the intermediaries and people administrating the programmes.
If the government knows how and where to cut, smaller allocations will not adversely affect the common folk. To put it succinctly, the cut will affect only the number of Ferraris on the road or the number of trophy wives or girlfriends of the well-connected.
I urge all MPs to look at each programme in the budget in detail with regard to its implementation and ultimate beneficiaries. Don’t pretend to make grandeur statements capitalising on populist notions on poverty, race and religion. It is a waste of time.
TK Chua is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.