Listening to People
Alor Setar, Kedah
June 8, 2011
Listening to People
CERITALAH
by Karim Raslan@www.thestar.com.my (June 7, 2011)
The PAP failed to anticipate the extent of popular frustration in Singapore, where even a booming economy and near-full employment were not enough to satisfy the voters.
OVER the past six months, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s personal charm, the shrewd allocation of government resources and a concerted media campaign have resulted in a noteworthy boost to Barisan Nasional’s — as well as UMNO’s — popularity.
However, three factors have intervened suddenly to alter the equation: One, PAS’ rejection of the “Malay Unity” strategy; two, galloping inflation; and three, the wave of anti-incumbency that swept Singapore recently.
The three factors will make preparations for the upcoming general election all the more complex. Furthermore, they reinforced other negative trends, most notably the growing unease of Christian and non-Malay voters as witnessed in last month’s Sarawak state polls — impacting the BN’s famous “Fixed Deposit”.
Indeed, UMNO’s current, hard-headed, go-it-alone stance is undermining the party’s traditional strengths in “Middle Malaysia”.
The party of Merdeka has been able to hold power for over 50 years because of a combination of its sound macro-economic policies as well as its moderation and wisdom in managing racial and religious sensitivities. However, the joint legacies of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Hussein Onn are fast being lost.
Anyhow, Saturday’s muktamar saw PAS’ professionals (also dubbed the Erdogans) regaining
control of the party. With the pro-UMNO leader Nasharuddin Mat Isa soundly ejected from the party’s deputy presidency, the PAS rank-and-file essentially rejected the idea — mooted by UMNO hard-liners and encouraged by Nasharuddin — of a grand Malay alliance.
The surprisingly strong showing by the professionals and Ustaz Hadi Awang’s stinging criticisms of UMNO revealed that PAS is determined to stick with Pakatan Rakyat. Indeed, the unending attacks on the opposition have only served to strengthen Pakatan’s resolve.
Separately, while Anwar Ibrahim remains a seminal and transformational opposition figure, the coalition will survive without him. In fact, it is arguable that Pakatan will do much better when his erratic and divisive presence is removed.
Economics is also becoming increasingly unpredictable.Oil price volatility has sparked off a dramatic bout of inflation and Malaysia, as a major trading nation, is no exception.
As of April 2011, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.2% year-on-year but food inflation shot up faster at 4.9% in the corresponding period.Anecdotal evidence from a doa selamat at my office last week would seem to suggest that rising prices of sugar, chillies and rice are causing real pain for the man-in-the-street. Chicken rice at RM4.50 a serving is no joke when you have a family of five to feed. The rise in the electricity tariff, while unavoidable (so long as IPP contracts remain untouched and unreviewed), will certainly impact all Malaysians negatively.
The third issue is the anti-incumbency sentiment sweeping the globe. Of course, this is interconnected with economic issues.In this respect, BN politicians need only look across the causeway to technocratic Singapore, where the normally astute PAP failed to anticipate the extent of popular frustration.
Clearly, a booming economy and near-full employment were not enough to satisfy the voters. Ordinary Singaporeans were fed up with being lectured at by smug, overpaid and out-of-touch ministers peddling policies that rode rough-shod over their needs.
One only has to join Singaporean commuters on a crowded MRT carriage to get a sense of how hard they work just to survive in one of the most expensive cities in the world.Understandably, the PAP experienced its worst electoral results ever (their popular vote plunged to only 60%).
Former minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s intemperate comments and the dramatic public backlash reveal the extent to which Singaporeans are tired of being told what to do.Singapore — much like Bahrain, Egypt and Tunisia — has witnessed a revolution in terms of information as social media has flattened and democratised the flow of news and analysis.
The polls have also seen a shift in how Singaporeans view the PAP. In the past the party was feared.The current view hovers between contempt and mere tolerance. Moreover, the professionalism and discipline of the Workers’ Party was a pleasant surprise.This was matched by the extraordinary academic fire-power of their star candidate, international lawyer Chen Show Mao, who has more degrees than the ever-erudite George Yeo!
Furthermore, their campaign slogan, “Vote Workers’ Party Towards a First World Parliament”, was a triumph of low-key subversion — with its suggestion of Singapore’s stunted political growth.
Finally, I can still remember the charming Singaporean Immigration lady officer last week stamping my passport who, when asked about the elections, said: “Well, now they have to listen to us, the people.”
Barisan Nasional and UMNO strategists would do well to study Singapore. At this stage it’s all about listening – listening to the people.
Well, it is not just about listening to people, more importantly it is about not taking people for granted. That should apply to all politicians who intend to seeking the right to represent us come GE13. Right now, there is so much political noise that people are being sidelined and their concerns about rising cost of living and ensuing hardships caused by erosion in purchasing of the ringgit.
Malaysians need a more humane government and leaders who can really connect with us. Is that forthcoming or has the government, especially the elite leaders lost touch with us, the voters? –Din Merican
dinobeano - June 8, 2011 at 5:43 am
Yo … !! Anybody home??
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 5:52 am
It is Politics 101, yet its lessons are not learned. Often hubris and ego get in the way. 50 years of uninterrupted rule make UMNO-BN blind to reality. It is time to get down to brass tacks if Prime Minister Najib and his men want to regain 2/3rd majority in Parliament. Ignore a resurgent PAS and a strong DAP at your own peril. People want honest government which provides the right environment for them to work and live.
Gobala - June 8, 2011 at 5:57 am
Clearly, a booming economy and near-full employment were not enough to satisfy the voters. Ordinary Singaporeans were fed up with being lectured at by smug, overpaid and out-of-touch ministers peddling policies that rode rough-shod over their needs.
Clearly, a booming economy and near-full employment were not enough to satisfy the voters. Ordinary Singaporeans were fed up with being lectured at by smug, overpaid and out-of-touch ministers peddling policies that rode rough-shod over their needs. That is because politicians think the people are not able to think and assess for themselves, and believe that we what they feed us. With the world is changing, people are also changing.
kathy - June 8, 2011 at 6:02 am
Correct, correct, correct. Listen to us Malaysians and don’t take our vote for granted.
Your manifesto won’t impress us since it is forgotten once a party is voted in power.
Anwar Ibrahim, for example, makes empty promises (read his 2008 manifesto) . If you don’t believe me, just look at what is happening in Selangor where the Menteri Besar is from PKR and Anwar Ibrahim is the Economic Advisor.
Khalid Ibrahim can’t even resolve the Sungei Buloh TOL matter. He flip flopped again; he blames the previous state government, instead of dealing with the problem so that business in Sungei Buloh can go on.
Ahmadi Hussein - June 8, 2011 at 6:07 am
Karim Raslan says:
“OVER the past six months, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s personal charm, the shrewd allocation of government resources and a concerted media campaign have resulted in a noteworthy boost to Barisan Nasional’s — as well as UMNO’s — popularity”.
Personal charm = APCO image enhancement
Shrewd allocation of government resources = fiscal irresponsibility (throwing tax payer money around to buy political support; coupled with subsidy cutbacks that hurt the poor of all ethnic groups)
Concerted media campaign = allowing racists/fascists like the Perkasa types and
Utusan types to engage in irresponsible rabble -rousing without restraint
Phua Kai Lit - June 8, 2011 at 9:07 am
I should also include disguised taxation
(in the form of tariff hikes for electricity etc.) under point two above.
Phua Kai Lit - June 8, 2011 at 9:10 am
The term “People or Rakyat” can be very misleading.
For UMNO, they say they ARE listening to the people through their UMNO MPs and ADUNs(since the people elected these characters), through the JKKK (since these are eyes and ears of the people for the Govt,through the DOs, since they are paid to listen to the people, and to the UMNO Ketuan Cawangan and Ketuan Bahagian, because they are supposed to listen to the people.
Hey, who says UMNO is NOT listening to the people. Of they are, so who is Karim Raslan kidding?
Utusan Malaysia is the voice of the Malays, so say that “I am Malay first and Malaysian second” pea-brained Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin, and UMNO is listening to Utusan Malaysia.UMNO is also listening to the english speaking rakyat through the letters to editor of New StraitsTimes. So who is kidding who?
Only loud mouth Pakatan only thinks UMNO is not listening to the people.
UMNO is the govt and the people who elected the govt is the people.
So what is the problem. Those who complain govt is not listening to the people are liars and bloggers who don’t understand how Govt works. Shame on all of you!!
Don’t compare us with Singapore. Their money is bigger than ours and they have a stronger economy.The Singaporeans are ungrateful bastards to PAP who re-invented Singapore from a backwater swamp land into one of the most respected city state in the world. Bunch of kiasu ingrates.
Long Live UMNO for Harga Naik…UIMNO always listen TO THE PEOPLE since 1957. How come UMNO always win the election since 1957 if UMNO does not listen to the people. To know more about UMNO,you all should become a member of Perkasa.
frank - June 8, 2011 at 10:36 am
Yea , don’t drink and drive especially if you can’t whistle !
moid - June 8, 2011 at 11:54 am
The facts are:human beings include customers cannot be “satisfied” but you can delight them – the basic management.
rightways - June 8, 2011 at 1:17 pm
For any small country, with limited land area and pleateauing population, the options are clear.
The labour force must produce more so that their totat lifetime incomes rise. This may mean the increase of retirement age to above 65 (I believe). This will be the main driver for the country’s economy in the near future. As the popluation ages, the productivity can be propped up by increasing the value-added ecnomic activities of the small country.
The well-being of its citizens will certainly depend on the strength of the currency, if this country virtually imports everything. The high currency means the country must export high-value added goods and services, which have high price inelasticity. This shows how important education is, in this aspect. In turn, there must be some other countries who will buy the exports at these high prices.
Of course, there is still the international wing which are the overseas investments, but these investments are relatively more risky, and the small country should not apportion the economy to exceedingly stuck in foreign lands.
Therefore, to stay and remain a nation, it becomes important for any government to “LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE”. This is not about politics. It is the process of listening and providing guidance to its people which will eventually lead to motivation as the population goes up the graying years.
By telling the population to work more years actually books the monetary future, and increases the wealth of the nation. Keeping the people (older ones) happy and contended in a healthy environment motivates them to work for longer years.
As such, by “LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE” in a small country can imply a start to change a mindset. To change somebody, monetary inducements (motivations) are not really enough. Without a change in mindset, the economy slows down followed by other things.
For example, how would a government know, what is stopping a person from going through a mind-set change process? The government must stay close to the personal ground level which implies that the must be constant feedback to the government. These are implicit secrets that some people do not reveal readily to anybody, let alone the government. Worse still, if the government has many layers in between.
More often than not, the government uses old data, and rest come from secondary data for models of other countries are used. This used to work when the population were younger. It may not work now because the strength of the population is disappearing. Just maybe, the temperament of older population changes faster than when the population were you – just maybe?
The frequency of feedback must be increased, and the reliability of the feedback improved. Sooner or later, Malaysia will reach this stage in the future.
Tang Loon Kong - June 8, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Singapore’s problems…? Just mid-life crisis.
Isa Manteqi - June 8, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Not too late for ruling regime elements to “repent”
by becoming Malaysian Boris Yeltsins,
(and to escape prosecution) if a regime change
occurs at the next General Election.
My guess is that the Malaysian public is forgiving — especially so
if the truth is revealed to a post-regime change Truth and Reconciliation Commission and if some of the ill-gotten monies are returned to the Malaysian federal coffers.
Note that, in Libya, more and more Gaddafy supporters are going to the other side
and that in Egypt, Suzanne Mubarak is returning some of her ill-gotten gains
to the Egyptian government.
Phua Kai Lit - June 8, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Mr Phua, it takes a long time to realise that not all people act in your best interest but that realisation will come. It will
kathy - June 8, 2011 at 4:54 pm
We all act in our best self interest since no one can act on our behalf. That is reality, Kathy.–Din Merican
dinobeano - June 8, 2011 at 5:03 pm
Yes Dato’ I do agree. However many back home think the Governeent will do so but not many in Govenrment will. So once we realsie thsi than we can demand and be proactive about our own life.
kathy - June 8, 2011 at 5:08 pm
…to stay and remain a nation, it becomes important for any government to “LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE”. – Tang Loon Kong
This is academic stuff, good only for passing exams.
Nobody defined who or what should represent or act as the conduit of the PEOPLE.. newspapers like NST and Utusan Malaysia, MPs and Aduns? JKKK or those internet savvy 4-WD owners with I-phone or I-PAD trying to tell the Govt to suck eggs about listening to the people?
It is useless to talk about LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE when nobody has the brain to define who should be representing the People? You all, the idealist bloggers representing the People? What People,… urban city sleekers representing the rakyat?? Come on, get real!
frank - June 8, 2011 at 6:07 pm
Who is responsible for all the lies that MPs are representatives of the people? In Malaysia MPs represent themselves. Listening to the people is certainly not meant to be their forte. It is one great big lie.
Over here yes, we have a government of the people by the people and for the people. Congressmen and women from both Houses engage with their constituents all tthe time.
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 6:40 pm
“Over the past six months, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s personal charm, the shrewd allocation of government resources and a concerted media campaign…”
What a scrotum pouch carrier.
This clearly shows the writer knows nothing about economics, fair allocation of scarce resources to maximise contribution to national welfare and development or what the general feeling is of most M’sians at ground level. Especially after the recent 7% electricity hike while saving his IPP cronies from a frying.
Little wonder since nowadays Karim Raslan reports mostly from Jakarta!!
Amost every one of Najib’s recent policies have suffered U-turns and those they are trying to bulldoze through – like the $31 billion MRT project,, oops sorry, $52 billion, er…HOW MUCH? – have no solid blueprint whatsoever.
As for “concerted media campaign,” well, what can we say about $100 million APCO spindoctoring speak (read as lies) where the meter is still running.
Oh yeah, he has lots of chutzpah spending Taxpayer’s money attending 1 daughter’s graduation ceremony from UNi in USA and another’s wedding in Kazakhstan while pretending to go to these places coincidentally to sell Malaysia Inc. Elsewhwere we call it the ‘lawatan sambil belajar’ or Brnie Madhoff syndrome! MACC and Auditor General, please take note.
dpp
we are all of 1 Race, the Human Race
donplaypuksonplaypuks - June 8, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Let me continue where I left:
The core issue is not listening to the people in the case of Malaysia. It is whether the WILL of the people takes precedence in issues affecting the country.
Parliament is supposed to represent the WILL of the people..But we know our Parliament is reduced to a kampung wakaf where the UMNO-BN makes a joke about the will of the people and the Parliament Speaker is nothing more than the ketua kampung or head of the Govt appointed JKKK. So the idea that Parliament represents the WILL of the people is bullshit. Our UPPER hOUSE IS NOTHING MORE THAN a talk-fest place for un-elected and cannot be elected representatives on a taxpayer gravity train doing the bidding of Govt.
So where is the will of the people? The will of the people can only b expressed on the street since Parliament has been castrated. And in Malaysia, if the people is persistent enough to take on the teargas and the chemical-laced water cannons.
Look at the Arab Spring in the Middle East. Only the street allows the people to express its will, AT A COST OF LIVES too.
Even on the street, Govt prevents the voices to be heard with teargas and chemical laced water cannons and arrests.
So what are we talking here? LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE.
Yes the will of the people is expressed in the ballot box. But we know in Malaysia, allegations and after allegations of misconduct of the Pro-BN Election Commission in ensuring fairness go unattended. Our electoral process is fraught with so much of bias and which cannot withstand any objective assessment of neutrality and fairness to the opposition parties.
Any talk about LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE, is academic and a wast of time. Useless topic inasfar as Malaysia is concerned.
In Middle East, the PEOPLE found a way to may the Govt LISTEN TO THEM.
frank - June 8, 2011 at 6:48 pm
…and therefore, it is to no surprise that PAS is launching BERSIH 2.0 on July 9 and asking at least 300,000 of its members to go to the street. Not that it will change the attitude of the Govt, but to express the WILL of the People.
Let’s see what happens… whether there will be more potent chemicals to be used in the water cannons this time around.
frank - June 8, 2011 at 6:50 pm
correction
In Middle East, the PEOPLE found a way to make the Govt LISTEN TO THEM.
frank - June 8, 2011 at 6:53 pm
over here we have a rule of law. And everybody including aliens is subject to Due Process under the Fifth Amendmnent under the Constitution. And we have Equal Protection under the Fourteenth Amendment which prevents racial discrimination. Yes, Thirteenth too when it comes to blacks and housing, employment etc.
And yes, we affirmation action program that sllows the government to discriminate but only to remedy some wrong followed in the past. Otherwise it is unconstitutional to discriminate.
Malaysian are living under a rock. And yet not know it.
The Brits left behind a legal system the enby. In some fifty years you reduced it to shred.
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 6:53 pm
oops … the envy of many. that ‘s for writing in the dark. good think my typing skills are still okay.
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Din has made his blog dark and hard to see. Did you change your format Dato??
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Over here if the state wants to do anything that affects the fundmental rrights of its citizens under the Constitution, it can still do but it better first finds a compelling state interest othewise it will be struck down the courts. If the interest is not fundamental but legitimate and rational it will only to surive the rational and reasonanbleness test i.e. a step lower than the stricy scrutiny test.
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 7:04 pm
ooops … strict scrutiny test
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Retirment age – Tang
Age is not a suspect classification over here. The government discriminates all the time. It has introduced laws requiring foreign service personaael in the Middle East to retire at 55. The matter went to the federal court to challenge iits constitutionality. It passed constitutional muster.
The retirement age over here is 64 and iif you work to 70 you get to receive more from your social security every month. We don’t have social security but instead EPF which has become the piggy bank of our politicians and their cronies. Anwar was one of them and in the name of funing low income housing he built a network of cronies.
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 7:16 pm
ooops … funding low income housing
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Yup frank, Cost of Lives is dependent on Cost of Living.
The latter is the bone of contention for us, canine types.
So we better follow the doggie dogma which states: “To be smart, be nice.”
Malaysians are nice aren’t they? We tolerate abuse, raoine and dumbing down.
And we still can’t see the bare bones of a country UMNO-BN is reluctantly handing back to the ‘people’ – after they have stripped off all the meat and fat.
I agree, the writer of this piece suffers from dysphasia – impaired language ability.
C.L. Familiaris - June 8, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Down under , they listen only to Dirty Harry . Over here , they listen to dr. kutty – as ass and a thief to some but a hero to many. So how lah?
arokiasamy - June 8, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Well this Dr Ass took care of Anwar’s ass while he took care of Saiful’s. Both have dirty hands what do you say about people looking to do equity if not come with clean hands.
Mr Bean - June 8, 2011 at 8:15 pm
UMNO/BN kleptocratic regime seems to be getting more and more desperate.
There’s the many unsuccessful efforts to get PAS to join them in a so-called
“unity Govt”.
And now we hear of a proposal for an amnesty programme for illegal aliens (i.e. a scheme to get Indon illegals to vote for the UMNO/BN regime in the next General Election)
What a contemptible regime ! It just strengthens my resolve to work for a regime change.
Phua Kai Lit - June 8, 2011 at 11:20 pm
Amnesty ofr the illegals? Why that should be encouraged on humanitarian grounds alone. Over here too immigration is heavily politicised. Hispanic votes make up a huge chunk of the total otes. every election year both Democrats and Republicans alike fight to offer a pathway to citizenship.
Mr Bean - June 9, 2011 at 4:24 am
It waas President Reagan who offered amnesty which is s then followed by Clinton. Bush gave a small window of three months in 2001 and millions qulified. Some seven years latter they are still waiting to be processed.
Mr Bean - June 9, 2011 at 4:26 am
Sheesh I can’t see what I’m tying ….
Mr Bean - June 9, 2011 at 4:27 am
Yes, a general amnesty would mean votes for the ruling party. UMNO is learning fast. Reagans general amnesty legalised tens of miillions Hispanics who are illegally in the U.S. Good idea UMNO. Go ahead.
Mr Bean - June 9, 2011 at 4:52 am
As immigration is a federal matter sorry PR who controls only statee governments. Better lucjk next time.
Mr Bean - June 9, 2011 at 4:54 am
Amnesty to the Indos , Suluks etc,,great!! a reverse take over falls into place…What a great country Malaysia is… You break the law and you are rewarded with the price of citizenship..nothing beats that…
Danildaud - June 10, 2011 at 12:49 am
You break the law and you are rewarded with the price of citizenship..nothing beats that- Danildaud
That’s the REAL definition of “MALAYSIA BOLEH.”
And Najib’s wondrous “1Malaysia” INCLUDES Illegal Immigrants.
You and I are reduced to SPECTATORS, not as citizen with a voice.
frank - June 10, 2011 at 1:54 pm