On local council elections

It is a concern of mine that certain parties are making daft statements about local council elections. Historically speaking, the local council elections, which existed beforehand, were dominated by none other than the socialists and social democrats.

It is no wonder that of all parties calling for it, it would be the DAP.

But, I will point this out rather clearly – the DAP and its Pakatan Rakyat posse have failed in determining the participation of even local non-government organisations (NGOs) in local councils through appointment.

If they do deny the above statement should reporters take a chance to ask, do ask them who are the current councillors appointed for Petaling Jaya City Hall or even Shah Alam for that matter.

So, it would be wise to ask, why is the DAP suddenly asking to call for local council elections? Have they run out of friends in the NGOs to place on the local councils?

To be frank, the timing for the call for local council elections is highly suspect, particularly at a time when half the country is trying to recover from floods; an economic “non-crisis”; and a government trying to reduce spending.

At the same time, let us be clear. The reestablishment of local council elections would not trigger another racial riot, no matter what PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang says. Such statements are playing on sentiments that are dangerously inflammatory and irresponsible.

It was not a local council election that led to the inability of Malaysians at that time to control their choler. It was the disrespect wrought in celebrating a state government’s transition, particularly in Selangor.

We have now seen in 2008 that such transitions can be done peacefully.

So, no, there will not be an ethnic riot nor racially triggered genocide without instigation by extreme or right-wing parties.

If we do want to hold local council elections, my main concern is with people and their actions. Since the last election, we have seen an increase in political division that borders insanity though not on the level of Abe Lincoln’s “a house divided cannot stand”.

But we are limping.

Ethnic, religious and even economic sentiments are ringing clear, from Datum’s Jelatek project to the cow-head protests to even the mob in front of DAP headquarters.

Heck, even the handing out of aid during the flood had seen politics play a role.

Thus, my main concern is that we have a politically immature electorate who would do the same in local council elections and even to this level of government.

Let us face it: Malaysians are their own worst enemy when it comes to being socially progressive.

We would rather whack someone for whom they are politically inclined to rather than accept that what they have is a good point or idea. We would rather mock, be glib, be reactionary to the point of cursing rather than politely discussing solutions.

We would rather be more vocal talking about the problem rather than the solution.

Yes, local councils can settle a lot of issues. It could be the solution to ensuring that there are better checks and balances when it comes to managing a city, district or town.

But, on the other hand, it is also not beneficial when it comes to the political involvement of the current parties that exist.

This especially when their supporters are a posse of immature commentators who would rather market how fat and ugly someone’s wife is compared to their own political matriarch and lead it to a tit-for-tat before claiming to be victimised.

Yes, we should have local council elections. It is a good idea. But is the Malaysian population ready?

I doubt it. For one thing, we have yet to even take responsibility for our own actions. We blame the government for everything.

Just recently, I wrote an open letter on how we are our own worst enemies due to the stupidity, violent and vicious comments on social media.

It was the most enlightening thing I’ve seen in the comments that blamed the government for lacking leadership, and even blaming the education system.

Yet, many do not even see themselves as the leaders of their own families, a contributing member of their own societies or even take responsibility for actually encouraging such vileness.

Honestly, how is the national education system contributory to the foul mouths of someone who studied in Cambridge or Oxford or even Melbourne?

My thoughts on local council elections is  that we should have it soon, but not right now when the nation has no money to spare on yet, considering it is moving towards austerity even now and slashing budgets within itself.

But we should have it soon, and I do believe by that time we will be more open to discussing term limitations, lineation issues and even the need for better politics and hopefully, more diplomatic conduct in politicking.

Until the majority of Malaysians grow up, we are nowhere nearer to even having a discussion on this matter.

Go tell that to your supporters. – January 28, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.