Barisan Rakyat Skirmishes Not Unexpected

The impasse in forming the state government in Perak is nothing out of the ordinary. In any partnership, joint venture, even a marriage there are bound to be initial, minor conflicts and disputes. One should not overly worry about it.

Of course when such differences of opinion are in the field of Malaysian politics, the implications are more serious, for the stability of the state and nation is involved. What is essentially required to smooth through the hurdles are clear heads and a give-and-take policy. Easily said than done. But we're not talking about juveniles here but matured politicians who more than others should know the importance and value of compromise.

In our country, matters are made worse by the malignant presence of Umno who would be ready to stir shit at the drop of a toilet roll. They are a huge, real and present danger to Barisan Rakyat's success. The BR leaders should always be aware of the pernicious influence that Umno has over certain uninformed sections of the Malays. Ignoring this danger or making light of their subterfuge would have disastrous consequences. The MCA, MIC and Gerakan have to varying degrees been emasculated and would only have nuisance value and a peripheral effect on state politics.

Yet another hurdle will be the presence of multiple voices in each coalition partner of the BR issuing varying directives like the Lim Kit Siang-Perak MB swearing-in controversy.

However in my opinion the biggest risk and imperilment to the continued well-being of the BR is the rate of reform. Too rapid a change in the system and the introduction of policies not carefully thought out and which may be perceived as detrimental to the Malays as a whole will be divisive and not wise. There has to be grassroots penetration by BR leaders and the rationale and circumstances of every major policy change has to be clearly enunciated and explained, always keeping in mind that Umno will be there minutes later deviously attempting to frighten the very same constituents. This is going to be a daunting and indeed painstakingly frustrating task.

Consensus has to be the keyword in intra-coalition relations. Not the fake BN-style 'consensus' but a true, selfless and harmonious agreement based on the good of the nation. Do remember that Umno will over time slowly abandon its bangsa, agama dan negara refrain (which did not find resonance in the target group and was a failure in this election) and switch to the more realistically appealing 'Malays are marginalised' bluff.

The manner in which the states of Penang, Perak and Selangor are administered over the next few years will decide the political landscape for the future. Whether there will be an eventual evolution to a two-party system or a regression to the bad old days of Umno's hegemony remains to be seen. While the Sultans in Perak and Selangor can be expected to exercise their constitutional obligations to the letter, Umno's influence over gubernatorial decisions in Penang is a trifle worrying.
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