Imperceptibly but undoubtedly, Malaysia’s metamorphosis is underway.
In the first part of this article, I explored the tangible outcomes and significant strides made in four cardinal areas of Anwar’s administration: good governance, poverty alleviation, economic revitalisation and progressive Islamic democracy.
There are, however, potential blind spots that warrant closer scrutiny and a thoughtful response.
Explaining the essence of ‘Madani’
Today, government programmes are frequently branded with the term “Madani” (civil and compassionate). These encompass a diverse array of initiatives, from jingles to songs and dances performed by local artists.
While transforming Madani into a household term is all well and good, it is essential to delve into the true essence of the Madani concept.
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Have government officials, particularly those in Jakim, fully embraced the ethical dimensions of Madani? The reach and significance of Madani extend far beyond mere adherence to “Sharia-compliance”.
Despite billions of ringgit being funnelled into Jakim to promote Madani, the measures implemented appear, at best, misguided and have so far yielded disheartening results.
The intention of Madani is not to elevate Islam as the dominant religion but rather to affirm the positive impact of Islamic values as a foundation for fostering a harmonious and progressive multi-ethnic society.
The power of Madani is rooted in one of Islam’s most fundamental teachings: Rahmatan Lil Alamin, which emphasises bringing goodness to all people and the entire universe.
No individual exists in isolation; we are all interconnected in a web of kindness from which it is impossible to extricate ourselves. A good person – regardless of whether he or she is Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or atheist – must embody a sense of moral responsibility.
A dedicated organisation should be established to explain succinctly and in lay person’s terms how all in Malaysia, regardless of their ethnicity, can contribute to and benefit from a Madani society.
This organisation should be led by a respected Islamic figure, with the direct or indirect involvement of various ethical institutions. Legislation and funding alone cannot elevate consciousness or awareness; winning the hearts and minds of the populace requires understanding, engagement and patience.
This approach will help ensure that Anwar’s Madani vision does not suffer the same fate as Abdullah Badawi “Islam Hadhari” (civilisation Islam).
Initiating partial reforms
It has become increasingly common to hear disillusioned individuals voice sentiments, such as, “I cast my vote for him, yet he has failed to deliver what I desire. I will not vote for him again.”
Others assert, “As Prime Minister, Anwar possesses significant power – he can and should swiftly implement all the reforms laid out in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto. His inaction reflects his incompetence.”
However, it would not be wise for Anwar to address too many issues concurrently. Moreover, there is no indication he is retreating from or neglecting the commitments made during his electoral campaign.
I choose to give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, good things come to those who wait patiently.
Depoliticise education
That said, there is no barrier hindering Anwar from introducing partial reforms, especially in education. An urgent need exists to overhaul our education system so that it aligns more effectively with the global digital age and modern technological advancements.
A vital initial step would be to depoliticise education. Creating a competent body that encompasses all stakeholders and ethnic communities could help develop the nation’s educational philosophy in line with Madani values, while also addressing the pressing issue of the brain drain.
Controversial laws, such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) and the Sedition Act, require a comprehensive review and amendment to prevent their misuse by rogue politicians or overzealous police officers.
Furthermore, the powers held by the attorney general and solicitor general should be clearly defined, in line with previous commitments.
Additionally, there continues to be troubling double standards in judicial decisions involving politicians, which creates unease even among PH supporters.
Furthermore, the government should avoid hastily enacting contentious legislation, such as “halal certification”, “house arrests” and “mufti laws”, seemingly to appease specific interest groups.
Such actions can undermine the principle of broad consultation and risks alienating ruling parties’ support base without securing favour from those they aim to satisfy.
Fortify PH parties
The PH coalition currently enjoys only about 20% of support from the Malay community.
Anwar has made concerted efforts to foster dialogue among various political factions, in part out of necessity, signalling a shift towards a more reconciliatory style of governance.
However, reliance on Umno, particularly its president, Zahid Hamidi, may prove to be injudicious. UMNO stands in dire need of reforms; yet, such changes appear unlikely given the internal disunity with factions intent on undermining Zahid’s leadership.
The delicate dynamic of balancing diverse political interests while striving for meaningful reform adds layers of complexity to Anwar’s governance.
At the end of the day, Anwar can only rely on the PH coalition for support. It is therefore imperative for the component parties to strengthen and consolidate their collaboration in order to form a strong and cohesive united front.
When Umno youth wing leader Akmal Salleh resorted to inflammatory racial and religious rhetoric against DAP leaders, how many ethnic Malay leaders from PKR and Amanah – particularly those within the youth wing – stepped forward to respond?
It was a godsend opportunity not only to demonstrate solidarity with a political partner, but more importantly, to educate the public, both Malay and ethnic minority audiences on the civil, Madani-like approach to addressing issues such as the KK Super Mart socks saga.
Prof Tajuddin Rasdi deserves commendation for his thoughtful and articulate analysis. Are the Malay leaders in Pakatan Harapan complacent or tongue-tied? While there were some individual rebuttals on TikTok, they were too few to make an impact.
This laissez-faire attitude is concerning. The prolonged inaction of PH leaders has the potential to undermine not only the unity of the government but also Anwar’s reputation as a champion for justice, a role he has boldly embraced on the international stage.
Whether justified or not, this perception could breed scepticism and tarnish his efforts. To influence is to lead; to lead is to influence.
Engage actively with Malay community
I propose that PKR and Amanah organise meet-the-people sessions, which could take the form of ‘gotong royong’ (community-help initiatives) if necessary.
The youth, in particular, should actively engage with the Malay community, empathising with their concerns and addressing them whenever possible. By doing so, they would exemplify the caring Madani philosophy through tangible actions and practical initiatives.
The spirit of Madani, championed by Anwar, should be first embraced by his supporters and then extended through ripple effect to the wider community.
Charles Chia Yong Tai is a member of Monsoons Malaysia.
This article first appeared in Sin Chew Daily.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
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- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
