It was reported in the media that Pejuang is not interested in forming an electoral pact with former allies at Pakatan Harapan due to the latter’s “baggage”.
Instead, it might seek an arrangement with Warisan and Muda should the next general election come before it is due.
It seems that Dr Mahathir Mohamad stands by his anti-corruption principle. The irony is while Mahathir stands on this platform, his legacy of authoritarian rule over 22 years – vital institutions of justice were suppressed during his time – indicates that power consumes all principles.
If Najib Razak became powerful in his time as prime minister, which led to a scandal of huge proportions, it has a great deal to do with Mahathir’s legacy as an untouchable Prime Minister.
Even during his short stint as Prime Minister with Pakatan Harapan, Mahathir ensured that vital ministries were under his thumb even though his party had the lowest number of seats compared to PKR and the DAP. It had to do with Malay dominance through Bersatu, which competes with Umno, rather than respecting the election results.
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The reality of the importance of electoral victory superseding any form of ideological rigidity has basically failed in Malaysia due to the overriding factor of ethno-religious demands made on the country.
For a new Malaysia to emerge, youth parties like Muda should be aligned with progressive forces that have a strong vision of an economy based on a broader form of social justice, labour emancipation and rights, human capital development and the preservation of the environment. They should articulate more about international labour conventions, human rights, the future of work and how to green the economy, by coming up with suggestions on transitions to make this happen.
The country not only has to do away with corruption, it needs a new vision that is aligned with human progress and the environment not dictated by the old ideas of capitalism.
Pejuang, Warisan and even elements within Pakatan Harapan are not aligned with this vision, and Muda should be the torchbearer in highlighting this new youthful vision.
Mahathir and Pejuang do not fit into this new paradigm and it would be wise for Muda to dissociate with this ethno-centric authoritarian party for its own progress and the nation’s future. – The Malaysian Insight
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
