When apathy rules, so does the BN

If the Merdeka Centre's findings are accurate, the Barisan Nasional will not only win elections today but with a two-thirds majority.

This is a clear signal to Pakatan Rakyat that they have to work harder and be more united if they want to fulfil their ambitions to rule Malaysia.

The reality, which has been stressed by many, is that Malaysians are a practical lot. So long as the malls stay open and we can afford to buy whatever we want, most are very happy to hand over the fate of their country to politicians. We do not care if they are qualified, can read or even write.

There is a psychological term for this type of apathetic behaviour. It is called "learnt helplessness".

Individuals with this condition will do nothing to help themselves. Convinced that whatever they do will be of no consequence, they are reduced to whining and complaining. They can help neither others nor themselves.

This is what happens when we have leaders who tell us that we do not have to think or do anything. Let them think for us. All roads lead to malls, food halls and more malls.

Entire cities in Malaysia are planned around malls. What would Kuala Lumpur be without KLCC (right), Mid-Valley, Lot 10 or any of its other malls?

A new religion

Yes, in some places, a few still believe in some sort of religion but the religion of the mall is more pervasive that you think.

This ‘religion' is all about satisfying the self, whether by overeating or going to the gym to be seen. Even some who believe in conventional religion do it because it makes them feel more righteous.

Ultimately, we all want to be celebrities. How can we not when everything around us - through advertisements, radio, TV and Internet- tells us that we are unique, we are talented and that we need to "unleash the genius within"!

Gone are the days when the young aspire to be doctors because they want to help others, they now want to be Sheikh Muszaphar (left), a doctor in outer-space, a "celebrity".

Is has often been said that Malaysians want to see a strong leader. It does not really matter if the leader is moral. Most of us grew up with Dr Mahathir, so we understand the concept of "the end justifies the means".

Most Chinese are enthralled with the likes of Lee Kuan Yew and will hardly bat an eyelid when faced with the latter's human rights records. They point instead to the "success" of Singapore.

This is the best evidence of learnt helplessness. We have all been indoctrinated to think that one cannot achieve progress without trampling on the rights of others, that equitability needs to be sacrificed.

Economic performance is key

The swing back to BN comes from the realisation that life goes on with or without political change. In fact, even in Pakatan-held states, the whole mall culture continues and has intensified.

The key here is the economic fate of Malaysia. If the economy fails to grow at the 6% - 9% rate, the BN can expect to see a strong opposition in parliament. But if growth is any lower, it can still maintain power but without the requisite two-thirds.

By now, even the BN realises that it can continue to rule quite comfortably without the two-thirds.

Fewer MPs is not necessarily a bad thing and the PM can run a tighter ship. Umno also knows that despite whatever internal bickering in other BN-component parties, it can still govern.

Even if all the MCA cabinet ministers were dropped, it would not affect their success in governing. In fact, it might be better as the cabinet will be more united in its policies.

Ultimately, Malaysians are an easy lot to govern. There may be a few very loud NGOs but they are ultimately run by NGIs (non-government individuals). They have really very little influence over the electorate, who only want to complain but will never lift a finger to help each other.

If the youth votes are what politicians yearn for, aspiring politicians should act more like celebrities. This demographic scorns the dowdy serious types.

Open more malls and have more tall buildings. It really does not matter if we sacrifice the last kampong or that the poor have to live in slums. Malaysians do not really care. Even the Indians have decided to come back to the BN, so all must be well.

Yes, March 8 happened but in youth lingo, March 8 is "so yesterday"!