IT IS no surprise that Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders, including twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, are at odds with the Madani government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Their grievances seem rooted in the perception that the current administration has abandoned its promises of good governance and meaningful reforms.

When in opposition, Anwar spoke fervently about progressive change. However, his words then and his actions now appear starkly different. The much-anticipated reforms have been relegated to mere rhetoric.

Instead, the government seems more focused on consolidating power and extending its tenure, a pattern reminiscent of previous administrations.

The alleged use of government agencies to stifle the opposition and suppress dissent has become a troubling hallmark. Simultaneously, individuals in positions of power appear to evade legal scrutiny.

The recent withdrawal of a government appeal in the Court of Appeal coupled with earlier instances of “discharges not amounting to acquittals” highlights this alarming trend.

Meanwhile, opposition figures face the full weight of investigations, raising questions about fairness and impartiality in governance.

Wrath of a centenarian

Dr Mahathir, now nearing 100, remains a vocal critic of the nation’s trajectory. Along with other PN leaders like Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, he has warned that the Malay community’s rights are at risk under Anwar’s leadership.

However, their claims warrant scrutiny. Are they genuinely advocating for the broader Malay community or are they using these concerns to legitimise their political ambitions?

Historically, the Malay elite have been the primary beneficiaries of Malaysia’s political and economic system.

Decades of the New Economic Policy have disproportionately advantaged those connected to the ruling class and upper bureaucracy.

While grievances persist among rural and urban Malay communities, it is questionable whether leaders like Dr Mahathir or Muhyiddin – who have held power before – are truly committed to addressing these issues.

If the Malays were indeed losing out, what steps did these leaders take during their tenures to rectify the situation?

The constant invocation of Malay rights for political gain may not resonate as effectively as Dr Mahathir and others might hope.

This is particularly true when the lived realities of rising costs of living, inflation and stagnant purchasing power remain unaddressed.

The Madani concept, though prominently championed by Anwar, often feels more like a propagandist tool than a genuine framework for change.

His focus on international issues such as the Palestinian cause may be admirable but does little to alleviate domestic challenges.

Ultimately, both the PN opposition and the Madani government seem to fall short of addressing the deeper structural issues faced by Malaysians across all communities.

While the rhetoric of reform continues to dominate political discourse, the lived experiences of ordinary Malaysians – Malay and non-Malay alike – reveal a widening gap between promise and practice. — Dec 14, 2024

Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. 

https://focusmalaysia.my/malaysias-political-crossroads-unfulfilled-reform-promises-relegated-to-persistent-rhetoric/