Beacons of unity

IT is difficult, if not impossible, to expect political reforms if an incumbent leader is secure and remains in power for decades. Some of the recognised problems of prolonged incumbency are the deterioration of the quality of the candidates’ pool, corruption, and presumptuous behaviours. Prolon-ged incumbency also prevents any reforms from taking place since the existing system, flawed as it may be, supports the power of the incumbent party.

Barisan Nasional remained the incumbent in Malaysian politics from independence (when it was the Alliance Party) until 2018. But the ground had already started shifting for the then ruling coalition a decade before that.

In 2004, Barisan won nearly 90% of parliamentary seats, a huge landslide victory. However, in the following 2008 General Election, Barisan saw the most crushing defeat since independence, losing its two-thirds majority. The Opposi-tion captured the states of Kedah, Penang, Perak, and Selangor while retaining Kelantan.

Voter shifts must indicate that they are somewhat unhappy with the state of things. Yet, no political reforms were introduced by Barisan. Discussions about a two-party system in the country began to be increasingly popular – the rakyat no longer wanted to give Barisan a political monopoly.

The thinking rakyat wanted to hear quality narratives from politicians, especially about anything that pertained directly to the nation’s general welfare. However, some politicians responded by playing up religious and racial issues to pander to the largest voter base, the Malays.

It is unfortunate that politics in this country is allowed to put tremendous stress and pressure on the Malay community by manipulating the so-called “Malay agenda”. Likewise, the community is also pressured by using Islam as a political tool. It is a challenge for the community to evolve naturally without political and religious pressures.

Some politicians attempt to shape the Malay community by abusing race and religion for ease of political control. This phenomenon is not good for the community or the nation as a whole. It has caused pockets of religious bigotry and racist behaviours to rear their ugly head. Unchecked, this can become a national security issue for a multireligious and multiethnic nation like ours. These politicians may be toxic to the nation.

In this regard, we have an institution that is above party politics: the monarchy. Many do not realise that the monarchy, together with civil society and thinking citizens of all races, have been instrumental in bringing about or encouraging reforms in the political arena. The Sultans from the various states have been incessantly reminding politicians to stay away from playing up racial and religious issues for political gain.

In 2019, Perak’s ruler, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah reminded us that the future of the people and the country should not be handed to groups that hold racial and religious extremist ideologies. Malaysians know him as a royal figure who often speaks for moderation and respect for the Constitution.

Johor’s ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar is undoubtedly committed to the “Bangsa Johor identity and concept”. He describes the concept as “the glue that unites all the people of Johor, comprising various races, and this has been practised in this state for a long time”. Further-more, his Majesty has emphasised that the people of Johor should categorically reject all forms of extremism and that the state is off-limits to politicians and bigoted religious figures who seek to undermine the bonds of solidarity and union between the various races that make up the state. This is indeed a welcome message in diverse Malaysia.

For many decades, mosques and surau have been abused by some for political purposes. This has not only caused division and conflict among Muslims but it also interferes with the right of Muslims to practice their faith peacefully. It is laudable that the Sultan of Johor recently warned politicians not to defy the directive from the Rulers to stop using mosques and surau as political platforms or to attempt to undermine the royal institution.

While the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of Islam in the Federal Territories, the rulers of the states are heads of the religion in their respective states. Hence, they play an important role individually and collectively through the Conference of Rulers in ensuring that Islam is not abused by politicians.

For decades there appears to have been unbridled abuse of the religion in politics, to the extent that much confusion and conflict has arisen among Muslims. Moderate Muslim politicians dare not speak up against the more extremist politicians and religionists for fear of a political backlash.

It is also cause for concern that sympathisers of these extreme politicians have infiltrated various government departments. We should be mindful of possible attempts to dilute the powers of royalty as heads of Islam when religious department officials become tools of politicians.

Collectively, the Conference of Rulers has a significant role to play, as provided for under Article 38 of the Federal Constitution, especially in relation to maintaining peace and unity in the nation. Since 2019, Malaysians have seen the active role taken by the Agong and the Conference of Rulers in bringing back political stability when politicians’ greed for power blinds them to the welfare of the nation.

It is my hope that we have laws to ensure that racist statements and religious bigotry will be outlawed in politics with the heaviest of penalties. In the meantime, we thank the royal rulers for their constant reminder of unity and moderation.

Senior lawyer Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder and chairman of Yayasan Rapera, an NGO that promotes community-based learning activities and compassionate thinking among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.