Diverse in politics, steadfast in patriotism

THE whole world watches whenever the Americans go to the polls – as they say, “When America sneezes, the world gets a cold”, so we are invested.

And what we saw on Nov 5 was a deeply divided country going to the polls and electing the deeply divisive Donald J. Trump as president – peacefully.

There was nary a hint of gathering mobs or protests during the day-long nationwide process, which upheld one of the fundamental principles of democracy: the peaceful transfer of power.

We can’t help but draw parallels with Malaysia, where political divisions have been deepening over the years.

Like Americans, Malaysians hold a variety of political perspectives. But unlike in the United States, differences here can be even more deeply rooted, as they can arise from the unique mix of races and faiths that make up this country.

Over the last decade, opportunistic politicians have been deepening these divisions to gain and maintain power.

The last general election, for instance, were one of the most fiercely fought, with some downright nasty campaigning in the run up to election day – everything from openly racial and religious rhetoric to libel and slander was used in the desperate scramble for votes.

In the United States, too, things got really bad this year with politicians and supporters going to extremes with hostile ads and much name-calling. There were even a couple of assassination attempts against Trump, though they were not tied to his official opponents, the Democratic Party.

Perhaps it’s timely to point to the surprisingly civilised American elections and remind our politicians and also each other: Democracy is not about each person getting their way but about honouring the process that determines the nation’s path forward.

Elections offer a chance for national reflection, not just selection. They serve as moments for citizens to weigh what matters most to them and an opportunity to understand the priorities of others.

And if democracy is to thrive, once the electorate has spoken, voters and politicians must gracefully accept results, even when those results may not align with individual hopes.

Here is where the Americans do much better than us: In the aftermath of an election, US political leaders traditionally make public statements affirming support for the newly elected government, regardless of personal or partisan preferences.

This need not be an empty gesture but a reminder that unity remains a choice – a deliberate step towards acknowledging that each leader, though elected by some, represents all.

While Malaysia has never descended into electoral violence, we do seem to have more and more difficulty accepting the results of elections, as exemplified by the revolving door at Putrajaya that saw three changes in government in as many years during the Covid-19 period.

We would do well to embrace this American culture of post-election reconciliation, with politicians refraining from playing the statutory declaration numbers game that threatens stability and doesn’t allow the elected government to focus on governing.

Our social fabric may be delicate. But its diversity can be a powerful source of resilience and creativity – only if we commit to respecting the electoral process.

Moreover, one of democracy’s great tests lies not in victory but in loss. The willingness to accept an unfavourable outcome is a profound show of respect for one’s fellow citizens and the nation.As Malaysia looks towards the future, we must be prepared to engage in constructive political discourse and encourage a culture where losing gracefully is not a sign of weakness but strength.

Our democracy, like that of the United States, relies on the mutual understanding that while political beliefs may diverge, our loyalty to the country must remain steadfast.