March 11, 2011
Democracy is about Accountability to Citizenry
by Mustafa K. Anuar*
In a functioning democracy, political leaders are accountable to the people in whose name they rule. Well, that’s the theory. In practice, many leaders tend to forget that these people are the ones who put them in the seats of power in the first place to represent their collective interests, concerns and dreams of a better tomorrow.
Indeed, quite often certain actions of these paternalistic leaders tend to suggest that the ordinary people have no business in participating in the country’s decision-making process. Instead, the leaders give the impression that their constituencies have a say in the affairs of their beloved country only on polling day.
The long duration between one general election and the next, so goes the thinking, is supposedly reserved for the leaders to do whatever they want. They seem to imagine that they have been given a blank cheque. And this is when these leaders — their acquired honorific titles notwithstanding — misbehave and, more importantly, forget that the people are their bosses. They seem to forget about transparency and accountability, virtues that can help arrest the worrying trend of corruption in high places.
Worse, these so-called leaders are transformed into something that is irritatingly arrogant, if not dangerous. They may, for instance, suppress criticism and dissent expressed by ordinary people against the ruling elite to such an extent that there emerges a serious disconnect between the ruler and the ruled.
And if such criticism becomes too heavy for the leaders to handle, they do not hesitate to crack down on the people in the name of “national security” (read: ruling elite’s security). So, peaceful protests and demonstrations in the streets, which are part and parcel of the democratic process, are often crushed by the authorities using water cannons and arrests.
If they perceive their positions and interests to be acutely threatened, the ruling elite may even pit one ethnic community against another — “divide and rule” — even though this approach is utterly divisive and endangers peace and (real) national unity and security.
On other occasions, these leaders may warn the people not to “politicise” (read: criticise) certain government policies and laws that are drafted, passed and implemented against the common good of the people.
If the people are perceived to be strongly resistant to this warning, the leaders may insist that they would defend their top leaders to the last drop of blood in a way that is reminiscent of the extremely feudal days of yore.
These leaders forget that money for the country’s development comes from the people themselves. Taxpayers’ money is at times used in a manner that does not benefit the majority of the people. Worse, these taxpayers are deprived of certain development funds for having voted in the ‘wrong’ political party. It is a punishment of sorts against the voters/taxpayers.
Talking of elections, the people are often treated like kids. The leaders may throw some sweeteners and crumbs to the voters mainly to keep them “quiet” and satisfied. They act as if the development funds dished out to the people come from their own pockets.
Some, if you may recall, even have the gall to tell the voters that they would help them only if they vote in their candidates in the elections. Such leaders must bear in mind that they should not forget the people lest they themselves be forgotten in the long run. It doesn’t help for these leaders to mudah lupa (easy to forget).
— Aliran/www.malaysianinsider.com
* Mustafa K. Anuar is Honorary Assistant Secretary of Aliran.
Well, if they are people with conscience in Bolehland they will not be leaders in the first place. Our political leaders lie between their teeth yet they are being glorified beyond reasons. Take Al Kutty for example. He doesn’t even know where his roots are. He thinks he’s another Messiah borne by a virgin and is destined to lead the Melayus out of this troubled land to who knows where. This is the kind of leader we all can do without.
Good writing, Mustafa, except you should twist the knife harder as the ruling elite cares not.
What does this prove?
That expecting an ideology as alien as democracy to take roots in third world countries is like expecting to see seeds cast on to stone pebbles to take roots?
Just watch how so-called ‘representatives of the people’ behave in the halls of legislature of Asian ‘democracies’ like Taiwan, South Korea and some others in eastern Europe. Listen to the shouting matches in our very own Parliament. One doesn’t need much convincing. A classroom of school boys behave better than that.
Over here in the United States, oftentimes you find Congressmen and women, and talking heads on TV, saying “The American people have spoken.” But who are these so-called ‘American people’ these pinheads are referring to? That they say they represent? I can understand Congressmen and women being the elected representatives of the people. But who are these ‘American people’ they are constantly referring to? Am I not one of them??
Don’t they mean themselves whenever they refer to the ‘American people’? Let’s not talk about Malaysian Members of Parliament and get young Kathy, a Malaysian from Australia all worked up.
What democracy, human rights, freedom the Western powers, particularly USA politicians and Congressmen, etc are talking about?
Do they allow you, we, Malaysian, or the 3rd world people to vote/elect their masters to service you and us? They, the 10% minority has freedom of choices and actions. Do we have such freedom of actions and choices?
NO! They don’t allow us, but simply meddling, dominate the affairs in politics and lives of 90% majority of the 3rd world people….
That is why the 3rd world leaders failed miserably in their ways of thinking/tricks, corruption, manipulation and domination !
Wake up !
Bean,
It’s time to listen to Jethro Tull House of Common’s brawl. Not sure about American debate. I love the house of common debate better
Here comes the lyrics
All right and honorable gentlemen
And lady, too
Will kindly try to restrain themselves
In derring-do
As verbal hard graffiti flies
And echoes wall to wall
Our precious model of democracy
It’s the house of commons brawl
One member from some dark mill town
Furious did cry
Spittle froth from folded chin
To dim the lie
Let’s serve this brief and list the rush
Of who’s allowed catcalls
Let’s finish this right here and now
At the house of commons brawl
Kick, punch with the government
As with jackets off they fly heaven-bent
Scratch gouge with the other side
As the party firmly admit a fight
Another day in the lives of those
Who would guide us through
If all is prepped that we should
By their example do
But there again I think for less
For gyving to the wall
The wrong house but the right idea
To end the commons brawl
Guys,
The recap of the memorable 1997 GE in UK. It can happen in Malaysia 13th GE…..New Labour swept into power. One thing I admire John Major…..Unlike Najib Tun Razak, John Major went to Luton, the marginal tory seat, stood on the soap box, facing hostile crowds, speak…….Last time, he went there & despite of the boos, Tory won in 1992
Mongkut Bean, you are quite right. I am quite irritated now after reading this ,being reminded about our so called ‘leaders” treating the country as if its theirs to cut up and divide amongst themselves. (Not so the leaders of yesteryears)
“Worse, these so-called leaders are transformed into something that is irritatingly arrogant, if not dangerous. They may, for instance, suppress criticism and dissent expressed by ordinary people against the ruling elite to such an extent that there emerges a serious disconnect between the ruler and the ruled.”
They do become quite irritating and arrogant and then transform into something dangerous when questioned,(note the use of ISA indiscriminately) because they think they need to protect “whats theirs”. Hang on a minute, its not theirs, its the PEOPLES! This writer has explained it simply, clearly and hit it on the nail.
Then he cleverly observes this happenning,
“Indeed, quite often certain actions of these paternalistic leaders tend to suggest that the ordinary people have no business in participating in the country’s decision-making process. Instead, the leaders give the impression that their constituencies have a say in the affairs of their beloved country only on polling day.”
Isnt that so true? They think they can run the country ( they have!) without answering to the people, without the people being involved, without telling the people their decision to spend the peoples money, where the peoples monies end up, why are billions wasted or missing. They actually arrogantly , behave as if the people dont know anything and so they dont tell them anything . Then GE comes along, then the people have a minute say. What utter arrogance and nonsense is that?
But during the first PM’s time it was all about the need to create our own identity, the nation, the people of Malaya(M’sia). The first PM was excited, The first PM obtained independance for the people,happy that we finally were independent from foreign rule and was elated that the people could have control of their own destiny as a nation. It was ALL about the people.
What happened to that ethos? Where did it dissappear? How did it disappear?? When did it disappear? Why did it ?
Just take a good long look at our so called leaders now. Who ARE they representing?
They, the 10% minority has freedom of choices and actions. Do we have such freedom of actions and choices?- Rightways
———————————————————–
The same question needs to be asked of your favorite country China. I believe the answer is a big NO. It’s even worse. In China 1% control the freedom of choices of 99% (Politburo of CPC control the 2 billion Chinese) Do the majority of Chinese vote for Hu or Mao or Deng. The leadership is selected by the Politburo.
Semper fi, rightways still doesnt understand CL familiairis, that to change our nation we need to Become Malaysian. We cannot forever more make the same mistakes to replace one form of race identity with another. It doesnt work. To govern humans fairly with as much equity and justice as is humanly possible giving due thought to human weaknesses, race must be invisible. What matters is humanity.
When we finally understand it is humanity that is to be protected in formulation of policies, then breaches of human rights can be managed and lowered.
rightways, replacing one race centric situation with another is fraught with dangers of different kinds. We need to move beyond that. A shift in our thoughts and physical situation is critical now.
What you need to realise deep within your heart and soul is that Malaysia is as a result of historical movements of people, is a multi racial situation. Thus spoken language and policies actions and words must now reflect humanity levels. Then laws passed, policies formulated will address issues applicable to all ,issus such as the eradication of poverty. Currently eradication of poverty is only seen as “eradcating malay povcerty” becasue govenrment is malay centric. If we are to eradicate poverty for all Malaysian, the government must be Malaysian centric.
We are a mixed nation. Malaysians of chinese ancestory are different form mainland China. How do I know that ? Becasue I grew up with them, they are my fellow m’sians, they are more gentler in their ways. I have met many mainland chinese.
So why do i bring that up? Because we must now formulate policies to identify with our Malaysian-ness. What makes us Malaysian? A WHOLE myriad of , the way we speak ( I can pick out a m’sian whatever race here anytime!), the way we are hospitable, the variety of yummy food, great history, so many public holidays based on our ethinicity, our different languages, our different home styles, etc etc.
So it must be Malysian centric , and nothing else.
Onn Independenca of this nation, what is the point of obtaining that indepedence when in the true meaning of the word, the people still arent? We have only moved from one master to another. How ironic.
OK Lah if you say so, Chinese democracy is best and Malaysian needs to “learn from” and not submit. That’s why only UMNO members determine who will be the PM who will rule over 26 million Malaysians. UMNO is just like the politburo and you allow UMNO to call non Malays pendatang and penumpang. But I’m baffled about Chinese democracy. Perhaps you can give me an education here. If Chinese democracy is damn good how come I hear of dissent and the Tiannamen Square? Guess Chinese democracy allows the leaders to trample the citizens with their tanks and makes their citizens docile and subservient. Sound familiar to what Ghaddafi is doing, maybe he took a page out of your Chinese democracy model.
Such argument is blurred, similar to China’s bashing!
Who’s blurred, the argument or you. My statement”
…. In China 1% control the freedom of choices of 99% (Politburo of CPC control the 2 billion Chinese) Can’t get any clearer than that. Perhaps you need to go back and learn linear numbers, meaning of democracy, communism, socialism and all the other variations of ism Then come back and we can discuss instead of trying to have a one track mind. A man educated and trained in various countries but with blinders on. With such perceptions and opinions no wonder the UMNO goons likes to use the words pendatangs and penumpangs Unfortunately the terms also affected those Malaysians that are Malaysians first and last.
Oh BTW another question Rightways. If China is so good why is it that people from China constitute the largest number of immigrants seeking US Green Card and Citizenship? Why would they want to emigrate from the land of milk and honey?
Yes Teacher, Grasshopper wants to learn but what does grasshopper need to do? Grasshopper wants to learn how Maraysia with 26 million people stand up to USA. Grasshopper was told that US sneeze, Maraysia catch a cold. US farts and Maraysia stink to high heaven. US move one turn in the wheel Maraysia go spinning.
Grasshopper osso want to learn how to set up big factories and pay cheap cheap but Maraisia no enough workers/prisoners so how.
Grasshopper and friends osso want to learn chinese style so no more Maraisia bashing. Teacher give lesson?