I have long argued that the model of the so-called power-sharing in the form of Barisan Nasional is nothing but a political fig leaf aimed at giving the public a false sense of equality in Malaysia.

The project of co-opting political opponents with a view to minimising their influence and taking the wind out of the opposition’s sails started in the aftermath of the May 13 incident. Gerakan, once in a dominant position in Penang state, fell victim to the trick and is still paying a hefty price for being irrelevant.

Meanwhile, PAS was expelled from BN in 1978 after a bitter cohabitation with Umno and went on to lose Kelantan in the same year. It turned out to be blessing in disguise, as the Islamic party was compelled to do earnest soul-searching in the wilderness, which eventually paved the way for its long rule in Kelantan since 1990. On this, the contrast between Gerakan’s and PAS’ fates cannot be more stark.

The more parties Umno seeks to entice into the coalition, the more it affirms its unassailable position, save perhaps for Sarawak where Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) has ruled like a new Brooke family, albeit with a native face. The fact that Abdul Taib Mahmud clung on to the chief minister’s post for another decade after Mahathir Mohamad had stepped down as prime minister speaks volumes of the party’s warlordship.

Everywhere else in the country, Umno reins supreme, with cabinet posts being awarded in return for the loyalty and servitude of the coalition ‘partners’, practically an euphemism for minions. The latest cabinet expansion again testifies that BN has become a gigantic vehicle for personal gains, not dissimilar from a dangerously bloated bureaucracy - arrogant, inefficient and utterly shameless.

But in the Onederful Malaysia, a bane can turn boon in no time for some.

Under Najib Abdul Razak’s pathetically weak leadership, the cabinet has degenerated into a haven for the mediocre - Liow Tiong Lai, who can't even articulate clearly his ideas (if he has any at all) in public, is now the transport minister (and I shudder at the scenario of him handling questions related to the ill-fated MH370); Ahmad Zahid Hamidi remains more than secure although street crimes continue  unabated, not to mention why a small nation of 30 million would need 10 ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department, including Mah Siew Keong and Wee Ka Siong who have never been known for their valour in the face of Umno-tolerated gangsterism.

A monstrous recycle bin

BN, from an umbrella to ensure political stability for the sake of development as envisaged by Abdul Razak Hussein in the 1970s, has now regressed into a monstrous recycle bin under his son, with no vision and mission to speak of. Chew Mei Fun, who has been rejected not once but twice by the electorate, is made a deputy minister by virtue of her being an MCA vice-president.  

The woman who once asked Lim Kit Siang if the latter would ‘feed’ her must now be pleased that she has finally been rewarded with a ‘proper job’, and all the perks to boot.

Like it or not, the Teluk Intan by-election results indicate that the Chinese community can be easily bought over with a promise of a cabinet post, which Najib duly delivered last Wednesday.

What the Chinese community has failed to appreciate is that even if Najib were generous enough to fill his department with all the non-Malay faces, it would not alter the country’s dwindling fortunes, for Umno has become so corrupt and power-crazy that it would have no qualms at selling out even the very constituency that it claims to safeguard and represent.

In other words, Malaysians in general must be far-sighted to know that kicking out an authoritarian regime is a long drawn-out process not meant for the weak-minded and faint-hearted. In electing Mah at Teluk Intan, a large part of the electorate has contributed quite significantly to consolidating the obsolete formula jealously guarded by Umno.

As usual, the Chinese press - led by Sin Chew Daily and the clan associations - are rather heartened to see MCA and Gerakan return to the cabinet, but it does not resolve the home truth that their presence is all for window-dressing.

Most important of all, in failing to sack the non-performing ministers while bringing in the equally undistinguished ones, Najib has proven further that he will not hesitate to put cronyism above good governance. If you think you have seen the worst when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was at the helm, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Meanwhile, the gravy train rolls on.


JOSH HONG studied politics at London Metropolitan University and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. A keen watcher of domestic and international politics, he longs for a day when Malaysians will learn and master the art of self-mockery, and enjoy life to the full in spite of politicians.