Mediating Malaysian politics

With the dramatic arrest and subsequent release of Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, clearly Malaysian politics is building up to a climax. How that climax will look like is still far from certain, but the ante is clearly upped. It used to be that the mammoth BN would crush the Opposition with little effort. Today, it is a fight between nearly-equals.

In one corner, we have the BN with its impressive machinery, control of mainstream media, and control of funds at the federal level. In the other corner, we have a motley crew of hardened oppositionists used to fight against the tide, and one Anwar Ibrahim.

Both parties have seemingly irreconciliable interests. Both parties clearly want to remain in power, and desire the privileges that come with it. Both parties claim to represent the people's aspirations. Both parties are unwilling to compromise.

In such a circumstance, it is difficult to draw up common interests between the parties. If there is no common interest, there is no way to compromise. After all, if any solution is based on a win-lose scenario, then let me be the one to win and you to lose. That is the natural response, is it not?

But scratch beneath the surface and one can find many common interests. It is the common interest of both BN and PR to ensure Malaysia remains a peaceful, united and viable proposition. There's no point in becoming the Government if you are only inheriting problems to be solved.

It is the common interest of both parties to overcome economic challenges for Malaysia. That includes addressing the global problem of increasing oil prices, the food crisis, and potential recession.

It is the common interest of both parties to retain the moral high ground. There is no honour in retaining power if the people conclude that you are a scumbag.

Towards these ends, it would seem that the Anwar-led PR has portrayed itself to be a more viable proposition. They are speaking the language of unity, and not the language of fear propounded by UMNO ("if UMNO is weak, Malays will lose their privileges"). They are addressing their minds to the economic difficulties and not in denial ("Malaysia is one of the better countries in the world with inflation at 6% only"- ha!). They are retaining the moral high ground, and not reneging on promises made ("Anwar must come in by 2pm"- so says the police who arrested him at 12.55pm before he had the chance to comply).

If indeed the factors identified are the common interests of both BN and PR, it is time BN put some meat to the barebones of their administration. BN leaders need to realise the ground is shifting under their feet, and they are not moving anywhere near fast enough. A good mediator would cast doubts (in a private session, of course) on BN, if only to encourage them to move towards a better direction.

Come on, Pak Lah. You said you've got 2 years. Please don't waste it.

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I've not given up on Malaysia. I won't give up on Malaysia. Tell me you won't too- khenghoe@mycounsel.com.my.