Dato Seri Najib and Indian Political Struggle

By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has captured a large section of the Malaysian community through his numerous new policy initiatives pertaining to economic reform and liberalization which are bold moves to address fundament issues during this economic down turn. His bold and decisive leadership in seeking to address delivery and implementation through public institutions is timely. In a similar way his 1Malaysia concept and his willingness to engage with all people through an accessible medium the internet is indeed praiseworthy.

While Datuk Seri Najib has passed the first 100 days with flying colors nonetheless there are many critical issues pertaining to democratic governance which must be address in the medium and long term. In addition creating a more inclusive society and addressing many socio-economic and cultural-religious concerns will require greater negotiations and unbiased reliance on the principles of human rights, justice and fairness for all the diverse ethnic and sub ethnic groups in Malaysia.

Political Vacuum in the Indian Community

However one weak link in the realization of this 1Malaysia concept is the vacuum in the Indian leadership within the Barisian National. While MIC has been the sole Indian partner alongside the UMNO and MCA, however since March 8, 2008 critical issues have emerged revealing the weakness of the BN especially the weak performance of MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP. These issues have been well documented by political analyst.

MIC has lost the Indian base and the emergence of a team of young and dynamic politicians in the Opposition front has further weaken the leadership MIC has given the Indian community especially in representing their interest at the Federal, State and local governments. This monopoly has been broken and there is fear if MIC can ever recapture the India vote as before for the BN.

However the recent events in the political landscape have raised concerns within the Indian community if the Opposition parties are truly able and willing to address the Indian concerns in an effective way as promised during the election period. There is therefore some lose of confidence with state and local governments in the control of opposition parties.

Furthermore the change in leadership of Prime Ministers from Abdullah to Najib and direct approach adopted by Datuk Seri Seri Najib in reaching out to the Indian community has earned him the support of a sizable number of Malaysian Indians as reflected in the Merdeka polls. His willingness to meet and dialogue with the Makal Sakthi leaders and the release of the Hindraft leaders from ISA detention has now neturalised this group and won some over as friends.

Indian Minority Grievances

There is a continuing need beyond the 100 days for the Prime Minister to address the specific grievances of the Indian low income families with special reference to social inclusion and access to urban poverty eradication programmes, small and micro business development especially in terms of business loans and training, ensuring better educational performance at the pre, primary, secondary schools and more opportunities in post secondary institutions. Ensuring greater employment opportunities in the civil service and investment in enlarging equity are essential.

It is of utmost importance that Datuk Seri Najib sees these pragmatic socio-economic development concerns from a social needs based approach alongside other poor and disadvantaged groups. Adopting similar approaches like that in addressing poverty among Malay poor is essential. In addition adequate budget and infrastructure of personal and designated delivery institutions are of utmost importance. These must be measured by KPI’s and outcome measures. In a similar way other minorities among the Bumiputra communities like the Orang Asli and natives of Sabah and Sarawak must be systematically addressed. In this way the social justice and social inclusion component of 1Malaysia will be realised. Greater publicity of opportunities and outcomes must be disseminated to all in a transparent and accountable way.

MIC Party Elections in September 2009

Returning to the theme of Indian leadership vacuum in the Barisan National it is therefore imperative for the MIC to re-look at itself very carefully especially as the party in going to elect national leaders in September.

As the delegates select the Deputy President, Vice Presidents and members of the Central Working Committee they could consider these simple criteria’s.

Firstly, elect leaders who will be able to win back the Indian community. This is most important. MIC politics is not just the politics within the MIC delegates. It is really the question of who would the Indian community trust in the post-March 8, 2008 political tsunami. Opposition has outstanding Indian leaders who often transcend their own community and have become flag barer for human rights, democracy, justice, fairness, good governance and accountability. Who within MIC can face these political heroes who have captured the Indian hearts and minds?

Secondly, the delegates must elect a new breed of political leaders. They must be basically new faces who can instill confidence that the party is truly reforming in line with the PM’s policy reform but also in line with the Indian community expectations. While academic qualifications and experience can be an added value however what is most essential is for men and women with character and high moral values.

Therefore the delegates must now consider leaders who are free from any kind of scandals such as link with gangs or criminal activities or associated with it. They also must be free from financial controversies.

Thirdly, age is a critical factor. Too often those who have held the post for long are not prepared to give up their position. MIC delegates must elect a majority who are in their late 40’s and early 50s. Urgent appeal is to drop those who have held post for the past 10 to 15 years in the CWC.

MIC must take a critical but honest look on this matter. Tun Dr Mahthir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tun Ling Liong Siek & Tun Lim Keng Yeik have stepped down and allowed their parties to move on with younger leaders. They have played their role and for love of the party and community they have ended their role as party leaders and role in government. However they continue to make tremendous contributions to nation building.

Tun Dr Mahthir’s views still dominate political thought and keep many a political leader in check. These are healthy sign of a vibrant democracy and speaking up is essential. The danger in today’s political culture is ‘chores singing’ and heaping up praises for national leaders with very little room for dissenting views and voices. There must be tolerance for alternative views especially in a climate where we want innovation and creativity.

UMNO and MCA have undergone a dramatic leadership change. Many senior UMNO and MCA leaders who won in the last general elections as MPs are now sitting as back benchers. There is honor in politics to make way for the next generation of leaders to take the mantel and become trail blasers especially in preparing for the next General Elections and in finding solutions to critical community and national concerns.

MIC leadership especially the delegates must think not for themselves but for the Indian community & Barisan National as a whole. They must take a bold step towards change and this can only begin with MIC leaders in their 50s taking over the mantel of leadership and riding alongside a young Prime Minister with an agenda for socio-economic reform. A failure to this will be further devastating for the MIC as it might be further left behind.

Fourthly, the delegates must not just think of male politicians only as it is traditional done but also women to serve in political leadership. Women form a major portion of the MIC membership and they have served well in the past and they can bring a pleasant change to the political vacuum if more assume leadership. Therefore there must be an increase of women with the MIC leadership at the Centre Working Committee.

Fifthly, delegates must ensure that the national leadership is more inclusive of all sub Indian communities such as Tamils, North Indians (including Punjabis), Telugus, Malayees and Celyon Tamils. There must be inclusion of Indian Christians, Indian Muslims and Sikhs alongside the dominant Hindu leaders. Delegates must exercise greater wisdom in ensuring the Indian diversity and richness of tradition is captured not just by tokenism but authentic partnership in the political landscape of the Barisan National. If this is not possible through elections then the MIC President must use his powers in appointing members to ensure women and sub minorities are adequately represented in the CWC.

The MIC has a rich tradition and heritage historically where thousands of leaders at the grassroots served the community and nation. My late father Daniel Jayaratnam was one such man alongside Tun Sambanthan in the independence and early period of our nation. It is therefore imperative for MIC to return to the early achievements. The political climate is today ready for a renewed-revitalized MIC under new leadership to steer the party for the best interest of the community and nation. The new agenda of Najib as PM has won ordinary people. The weaknesses in the opposition especially with recent turn of events in the Indian community have created doubt in the hearts and minds of the Indian people.

Sixthly, the delegates must elect party leaders who have a clear understanding of the community expectations and also the aspirations of other communities in Malaysia. Often during party elections many politicians take very strong racial and religious stands for political expectancy. However we need Malaysian Indian leaders who have a true Malaysian framework, holding a balance between community expectations and national interest. Our nation needs men and women who will do the right thing for the common good of all Malaysians and who are willing to make a public stand for what is true and good for the nation and be held accountable for them.

Time for change is now

Therefore the time is ripe for the MIC not in its old form but renewed under new leadership to ride the tide of change with a dynamic Prime Minister and his public policies. The future of the party is in the hands of the delegates. Restoring democracy within the party and voting without fear or favor is essential. Speaking up and taking a clear stand for truth, honesty, fairness, equality and justice is a must. The party should not be lead by a team who feel only obligated to their senior politicians. They must have their own mind.

Failure to choose the right political leaders will further impact the credibility of the party and its leadership in the eyes of the Indian community and other communities in Malaysia. This will further erode the party role in the community, government and nation.

History will judge the delegates for the decisions they take in the September party election. Our prayer is that they will do the right and honorable thing for the advancement of the party, community and nation. ‘So help us God’.