The Way Forward for Non-Sectarian Politics in Malaysia

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I have the privilege to attend a Public Forum on Non-Sectarian Politics in Malaysia today. The distinguished panelists one after another offered their insights on the way forward of non-sectarian politics in Malaysia post March, 8 2008.

Many have attributed the 12th Malaysian General Election as the watershed of the modern Malaysian Political History. In fact, many also a bit over-joyed over the perceived rise of non-sectarian politics (at last) and the appeared decline of racial politics (finally) in Malaysia. Yet, I can’t help notice that such euphoria has in a way submerged somewhat lately, especially with the recent talks of secret meetings between PAS and UMNO.

Though all readily admitted, the inherent or otherwise, obstacles to non-sectarian politics are well embedded in the system of this country and psyche of the people, three of the panelists have ventured to approach this issue from different angles and thus attempted to prescribe different views on the possible ways forward for the non-sectarian politics in Malaysia.

Dr. Toh Kin Woon has once again floated the idea of replacing the current sickening Race- based politics with Class-based politics that transcends racial divide. Surely. this suggestion might not go down well with some, who have long convinced that with the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the rise of so-called New Labour in UK or the Third Path Politics in the rest of the world (i.e. those who dress like Socialist but act like conservatives), this Class theory of political struggle has ceased to be relevant in today political landscape. However, Dr. Toh believes with the widening gaps of incomes disparity and the growing discontent of the lower strata groups of the society over the increasingly patent social injustice and economic inequality, Class-based politics will and can surely once again return as a force to be reckoned with. This view also has the support of Dr. Ooi Kee Beng, another panelists.

The second speaker, Dato Anawar Faizal however treated the subject matter with a rather refreshing perspective. He argued that this Race-based politics and in fact the concept of race or racial supremacy are all created by politicians for political expediency. That is why he called for deconstruction of all these man-created concept or theory of race in politics. He even went as far as calling for the ban of all political parties that are based on race! He urged all to celebrate diversity.

Whereas the last panelists, Dr. Ooi Kee Beng was of the view that Malaysia has the unique propositions in its strategic location and traditionally a metropolitan an d cosmopolitan hub. That would help providing the fertile ground for non-sectarian politics to flourish. More over, so long that the Malaysian economy remains an open economy, Malaysia will continue to be more accommodative and receptive to non-sectarian politics. Historically, the idea of non-sectarian politics is also not something new. As the pre-NEP era, political parties, like Socialist Front , were fighting along non-sectarian line.

So, the way forward for non-sectarian politics in Malaysia for sure won’t be an easy journey. But just like Dr. Ooi rightly pointed out in winding up his talk, our former deputy Prime Minister,Tun Dr. Ismail once said, “The fact is We (Malaysia) are multi-racial and we have to admit that!” That said, this non-sectarian political journey is THE WAY for all of us, however difficult, long and even dangerous it would be.

Lastly, what would be the role of Gerakan, a political party who once pioneered non-sectarian politics, in this journey?

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