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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 44 No. 14. July 6 1981

Communal Politics — Politics: Malaysian Style

Communal Politics

Politics: Malaysian Style

Malaysian politics has again reflected disarray as the three major ethnic component parties of the ruling coalition fight over differences among party members. This as their respective general assembly approaches.

The exit of the Malaysian P.M., Datuh Hussein Onn, from the presidency of UMNO (the nation's dominant political party at the core of the 9 component-party coalition called the National Front) has created a struggle for succession. While the succession by Dr Mahathir to the presidency remains unchallenged, the contention for the deputy-presidency between Musa Hitam and Tengku Razaleigh has raised fears of a "breach in the party's flanks". Understandably, there have been persisitent calls for unity among the Malays. Already, political analysts are deliberating on the possibility of dual-posts in the deputy presidency, in the hope of averting the disarray within the party. Nevertheless, observers noted that the delicate racial balance in Malasia may deem such ideas impracticable. In any event, it is widely believed that Musa Hitam is in Mahathir's favours as both are noted partners in the criticism of the UMNO leadership (Tunku Abdul Rahman) in 1970 for its soft line in the racial question. Both were subsequently ousted from UMNO.

The Chinese front partners have their share of the rift as well, marked by internal dissension and defections. Disagreement by Tan Tiong Hong, Gerakan Federal Territory liaison chief and MP, with the leadership of Gerakan led by Lim Keng Yaik since the resignation of veteran Lim Chong Eu, had resulted in Tan's resignation from the party, together with many of his supporters in the various divisions in the Federal Territory and branches in Selangor and Malacca. This has meant a considerable loss of support for the Chinese vote for Gerakan. Nevertheless, the possible defection of Michael Chen (Deputy president of MCA) to the Gerakan may have and MCA are in the National Front). It appears that Chen's new-found career in Gerakan would be a channel for him to come to the forefront. He was unsuccessful in a bid to capture the MCA presidency last year. With the defection of some MCA supporters to Gerakan following Chen, Gerakan would be hopeful of considerable control over north of the Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the leading opposition party, DAP, after its recent period of turmoil following a defeat in a by-election in Penang - is "healing from the internal wounds". There has also been internal feuding between MIC top leaders which had just been resolved.

Evident in all these current political events in Malaysia is the tremendous degree of inter and intra politicking in party politics. The noble sentiments of subsuming personal interests for the interests of the party and the nation is perhaps a cry too often heard. The media sensationalise the power-struggle, brood out press statements by Ministers and serve as a not-too-ineffective channel for animosity among party leaders. On the other hand, the exposition of party politics and plans remain a rare substance in the press.

The inherently communal nature of politics adopted as a strategy of 'divide and rule' in the colonial time is very much intact to this day. The Government's strategy for national unity through NEP and through the Barisan National formula of calling for Malay unity under UMNO, Chinese unity under MCA, and Indian unity under MIC, is a facade that merely serves to consolidate the status quo of the ruling elites. The strategy of uniting under each race presents threates and inculcates a seige-mentality among the different ethnic groupings.

The polarisation of politics among communal lines exercerbates racial antagonism and dissatisfaction which in effect hides the underlying reality that the problems facing the common people of all races remains one of economic content i.e. class inequality. The options are open; should one succumb or fall victim to the present tenet of politics, or should one examine it in relation to the broader contect of the problems of our society.