Perusing the pages of a book on the art of politics, there was a laconic tale that captured the sharp contrast between the words 'politician' and 'trust'.
These words seldom co-exist in a sentence unless the intended message is negative.
The tale was of a young prince who had petitioned his father, the King, to tutor him in politics, and to his surprise, he was told to fetch a ladder.
The ladder was placed next to a coconut tree, and the King instructed his son to climb to the top. However, though confused, the prince decided against incurring his father's wrath with questions and obliged.
When the prince reached the topmost step and wrapped his arms around the tree, the ladder, much to his horror, was removed. Despite his pleas for help, the King left.
After the palace gardener had rescued him, the incensed prince demanded an explanation from his father. The King replied, "My son. This is the most important lesson in politics. Do not trust anyone, including your father."
News has surfaced that Bersatu is now enticing - though some in Umno allege that 'threatening' would be a more appropriate description - Umno lawmakers into its fold.
The same lawmakers whom Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had censured not too long ago for having discarded their moral compass to support his predecessor, whom he denounced as a thief plundering the nation.
Mahathir's son and Bersatu number two Mukhriz (photo), on the other hand, cited conditions for those from Umno who wished to join Bersatu.
He said that while Bersatu's doors are closed to the likes of Najib Abdul Razak and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, others would be welcomed provided that they consent to discard their unscrupulous Umno DNA and become 'born again' politicians in Bersatu, absolved of all past taint and sins.
Should those in Bersatu be suffering from a sudden amnesiac spell, Malaysians had, some six months ago, voted for change, and not the cliched 'old wine in a new bottle'.
Unlike wine, which connoisseurs agree tastes better with age, Malaysians had evicted Umno and BN from the federal administrative capital due to the unpalatable taste its leaders had left in their mouths after marinating in power for six decades.
Some have suggested that it is part of Mahathir's stratagem to bleed Umno to death, while some have claimed it is to transform Bersatu, which has the least number of parliamentary seats compared to PKR and DAP, into the dominant force in Pakatan Harapan.
Regardless of which, Umno lawmakers should not be accepted into the coalition.
A week after winning the 14th general election, Mahathir himself conceded that the people might not approve of Harapan accepting those from BN parties.
“We feel that the people cannot accept Umno and other parties, thus they should not be accepted as party members. It will not sit well with the rakyat who do not want the old government to influence the new government, their participation will not be accepted," he had said.
A perilous position
However, the change of stance comes as no surprise because politicians have forked tongues.
Therefore, it is paramount to remember that what transpired on May 9, 2018, was a demonstration of people's power. A force so powerful that a fortress, once considered impregnable, crumbled under its might.
Hence, we must celebrate the power of the people, and not the people in power.
Providing politicians with carte blanche and ignoring their transgressions are akin to placing one's head in the jaws of a lion. It is dicing with the nature of a feral beast.
Idolising politicians does not bode well for the nation for there are many wolves in sheep's clothing that tread the corridors of power, and would use this sentiment to their advantage to renege on promises, flout laws, indulge in corrupt practices and inflict more hurt on a nation, whose former leaders have left bruised from head to toe.
Bersatu aside, for these are politicians whose careers were erected on Umno's foundation, it is the rest in Harapan who must put their foot down and assure Malaysians that power has not diluted their ideals and principles.
Those politicians who before the election promised a utopia if a new government is installed and convinced Malaysians to accept Mahathir and Bersatu, must voice their protest against the move to recruit Umno lawmakers and ensure that contaminated blood does not flow through the arteries of the new administration.
It is also disappointing that certain vociferous civil society leaders who kept the previous administration in check are silent regarding the questionable actions of its successor.
When politicians are allowed to operate without checks and balances, it spells 'PERIL' in bold, capital letters. At present, there is a vacuum as far as the opposition is concerned. So the people must step in to fill the void.
To quote the words of President Francis Underwood, the protagonist in the television series 'House of Cards', who after berating those presiding over Congress' investigation into his crimes, turns to the camera and addresses the American public:
"… You don't need me to stand for anything. You just need me to stand. To be the strong man. The man of action. My God, you are addicted to action and slogans. It doesn't matter what I say. It doesn't matter what I do. Just as long I am doing something, you are happy to be along for the ride.
"... I don't apologise. In the end, I do not care whether you love me or hate me. Just as long as I win. The deck is stacked, the rules are rigged. Welcome to the death of the Age of Reason..."
And as for the tale of the prince who wished to learn about politics, it ends with him poisoning his father and ascending the throne.
RK ANAND is a member of the Malaysiakini Team.
Source | https://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2018/11/celebrate-peoples-power-not-people-in.html
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