YOURSAY | ‘There is now a dangerous trend of passing laws to stop the dissemination of the truth.’

'Kurang ajar' politics a bane for Umno, says Rais Yatim

Vijay47: One does not need to be a Stephen Hawking to know that conduct plays a role in political credibility whichever side of the divide you are on.

You are quite right, Umno veteran Rais Yatim, in all that you said with regard to cultured, courteous behaviour, though we wonder what took you so long to come to this realisation bearing in mind your previous animated support for everything Umno.

Whether you now see the writing on the wall of great changes coming our way, your recent comments will nevertheless earn you some benefit of the doubt.

You mention Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Md Yunos, and your disapproval surely extends to Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz also, as examples of behaviour that should not be tolerated.

Frankly, I do not see these as serious offences since both of them are the dregs of politics, crudely smug in their vicarious power that Umno wields.

The greater sin lies on the senior members of the party and in particular, its president.

Not once, not a single time, has Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak voiced censure of regrettable or even shameful comments made by his subordinates.

On the contrary, his related statements reflected support – Najib’s response to Nazri’s inexplicable attack on billionaire Robert Kuok is a classic example.

But all this may be water below the bridge; we may not need to suffer Umno’s poor ways much longer.

David Dass: It is about time that a senior Umno member said what needed to be said. Our politics has become so aggressive and hostile.

Of course, there are serious issues. And politicians including ministers must accept criticism however serious.

Criticism is par for the course in the life of politicians in a vibrant democracy. And we must remain a vibrant democracy.

In the past 30 years, many laws have been enacted and policies formulated which have not been subject to rigorous scrutiny and debate.

The result has been unhappiness felt by sectors of our population, and that in turn causes alienation and polarisation.

We are a multiracial and multi-religious country. The government must be sensitive to all legitimate concerns.

Majority interests cannot override minority rights. And the opposition and NGOs have a role to play. They must be respected.

Clever Voter: Rais is not wrong to remind everyone that rubbish politics has arrived at our doorsteps.

There are no decent debates but denials, lies and blatant insults and accusations against one another. There is now a dangerous trend of passing laws to stop the dissemination of the truth.

All of these reflect the rising stakes in this business of politics. Moral standards are non-existent, and it is an open secret that money talks.

We have got to this stage because old bandits refuse to die and go away. Greed has no boundary, and the feeding chain has expanded.

We are now a nation where there is no culture, even compared to our neighbours. The emphasis on wealth and materialism has blinded us to the building of future talent.

How often do you hear that our service culture sucks, and that our expensive infrastructures start to fall apart as soon as the VVIP cuts the ribbon?

The patronage system has misled many into believing everything is well. Rais knows very well his peers are in denial and enjoying fruits of their so-called labour.

But that's merely less than two percent of the population. How about the rest?

Varuna: This elder statesman’s opinion is well-placed and it would be constructive if more elders come forward like him to prevent further erosion of a once proud, disciplined and upright organisation.

It is needless to say that any organisation is as effective and responsible as the quality of its leadership.

Umno has to date had the singular privilege of being the preeminent and dominant political party in the country. Perhaps the prerogatives enjoyed from that preeminent and dominant status for some 60 years has diminished and eroded the party’s obligations and responsibility.

Anonymous 242641505703475: During Tunku Abdul Rahman's era, I remember MPs clashed in Parliament and even had beer later.

That is the best attitude to have. MPs may have different views on a single subject; and they could give their views but they remained friends outside Parliament.

Return to that culture of politeness. Be civil-minded. You could have different policies; ideas and ideals differ. Respect each other. Do not be hostile and carry your hostility outside Parliament.

Note that school children also go to Parliament and watch your behaviour. What impression will you give to them?

And please do not carry politics to schools and universities. They are meant for educating students.

Anonymous: I believe it's already costing Umno/BN some precious votes as a result of those uncultured and insolent behaviour of certain Umno leaders.

It has not changed for the better as there is no reprimand for such offensive and insulting acts.

This is neither the “Malaysia, Truly Asia” way, nor that of Malaysian culture, which is decent and friendly.

Negarawan: Rais is right, and he has the courage to voice out this real and serious concern. However, we can expect Umno to resort to using thuggery and violence in its GE14 campaign, and conveniently put the blame on others.

Ironically, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently warned other parties of not resorting to unruly behaviour. Umno should take a look at itself before warning others.

The fair-minded rakyat must send the right message to Umno. Enough is enough. Vote Umno out.

 

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