Umno Youth vigilantism must be halted

Reading of the recent ‘ultimatum’ issued by the representatives of Umno Youth Kelana Jaya to MP Loh Seng Kok , I am struck by the increasing arrogance, lack of accountability as well as presumptuous and paternalistic attitudes adopted and visibly manifested by members of this political party. Much has been said in condemning this action and an equal amount of support has been expressed in this latest effort in making sure that MPs know their place in the scheme of things.

One could argue that this was an isolated incident not representative of the actual stance, position and status of politics in Malaysia. However, I would argue that this behaviour is in fact symptomatic of the continued deterioration of the recent stateo of affairs in Malaysia.

Umno Youth, in particular, has now, as in the past, resorted to thuggish and mafia-like behaviour to deal with issues in a manner unbefitting a party led by Abdullah Ahamd Badawi. The Prime Minister, from the beginning has continuously and consistently called on and encouraged Malaysians and their political representatives in Parliament to engage in frank, open dialogue, without fear of retribution. He has stated many times that without such dialogue, the true problems of the country cannot be solved.

But in retrospect, how can we blame this group of UmnoYouth to take issue with a member of Parliament in this manner, when the example that the government has shown in various issues has actually curtailed the spirit of democratic representation and indirectly encouraged this sort of behaviour. Through acts and the threat of political retribution and under the cover of the often-used “sensitive” label, BN MPs have often been warned to toe the line on issues pertaining to ethnicity, religion, community rights, human rights, education and the occasional public works project. These issues appear to be exclusively owned and continually held hostage by a small group of individuals who claim to represent and act on behalf of the majority.

It seems that to be a Barisan Nasional MP, is to lose your independence, to have your vote and presence in Parliament subjected to the will of the Executive and to be terrified of stepping out of line with the BN’s position. The precedents in the past have provide the example, daring and indirect encouragement to these “thugs” to resort to such vigilante behaviour.

Take a look at what has happened in Parliament and state assemblies during the debates surrounding issues such as the Penang Outer Ring Road and the recent Islamic Family Law debacle. The ruling coalition “of the willing” has consistently cracked its whip and shown its eagerness to enforce the passing of its bills or ensure support without dissent. Never mind that there was something amiss or erroneous in the issue to begin with. Senators have been “directed”, state assemblymen have been suspended.

The term “sensitive” has been for far too long used as a blanket word to stifle dissent, avoid discussion and suppress contention. In the case of MP Loh Seng Kok, it could be argued that it has been used to justify this vigilante action.

In the past and more recently, the heated discussions of patrons in a “kedai kopi” have often more substantive matter than a Parliamentary debate, where real issues of contention are skirted in an effort to avoid being “insensitive”. It continues to require a single individual with courage to bring up “real issues” of concern to the electorate to the attention of Parliament or the Malaysian public. Of late, whether it is Theresa Kok in the lobby of Parliament or a lone BN backbencher standing in support of the motion to establish the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), the image of a single individual standing before the metaphorical “tanks” of the ruling party frequently comes to mind. Even then they are threatened with law suits and disciplinary action for breaking ranks.

The electorate provided Prime Minister Abdullah Ahamd Badawi with one of the largest mandates ever obtained in Malaysian history. The mandate was for a change towards a transparent, accountable, moderate and fair form of governance befitting a developing country keen on leading others in the 21st century. This mandate came with the responsibility to the people and not to indulge in this form of arrogance.

I call upon the prime minister to restore the spirit of true Parliamentary democracy into our house of representatives. He must condemn this form of intimidation and set the tone and example, especially for the Umno members with the tendency to resort to dagger waving, to follow. In practice and not just in words, MPs should be allowed to represent their own views as well as those of their constituencies. A majority in Parliament is not an excuse to rubberstamp every single issue or bill in the Government’s favour.

If this situation does not change, then persons who claim to represent the people and act in this manner will continue to darken our hopes, belief and aspirations in the creation of a better nation where all Malaysians can claim equal rights and responsibilities as citizens.