Malaysia is undergoing an interesting political experience due to the rise of the opposition, political parties and individuals via the information revolution. Political maturity is growing among the young and older malaise Malaysians.
The ruling party(s) BN - UMNO, MCA, MIC etc is trying its best to change, and it appears the PM has a major hurdle in trying to convince the electorate. It is possible but difficult. How badly does he win? Can BN lose?
The Malaysian opposition come in many shades of colors, and I mean many; and that is why it is perhaps one of the most interesting political untold stories.
DAP's LGE is doing a good job in Penang, his economic and social policies are working; but the party public policies are unstructured and lack diversity. Their recent party election recount was unprofessional; but credit to DAP for promoting good governance policies.
While PKR is the main opposition and a more diverse party than DAP and PAS, its leadership structure is less understandable or clear. But the party is resilient, with younger leaders emerging. This maybe the last election for DSAI and he deserves the opportunity.
PAS is perhaps the most interesting party, especially among non Malays. Although politically PAS is viewed as the most ethical party, sometimes its social policies lack detailed explanations and a modern understanding of the public versus private sphere. Despite this scenario, non-Muslims openly support Mat Sabu from PAS. I think Indians in a 'quiet way' welcome PAS style social policies due to the discouraging statistics of Indians in alcoholism and illegal activities. I am unsure but PAS appears to be more reasonable in dealing with Hindus.
Since 2008, disparate Indian parties emerged, but lacked political savvy and seem to stick to one issue, one race based public policy - which is not sustainable, like the arguments about the bumi policy. Income based entitlement reform will address all poor people; especially the Malays and Indians. Its reasonable to call it bumi policy if its income based, and its equally reasonable to fund estate workers education and housing reform policies, if its income based.
Immigration reform is another vital policy that should start with red IC Malaysians, of Indians origin as well as other recent immigrants. Unless we can learn to treat our servants, tourists and immigrants decently, we can't implement effective public policy.
Remember the most important rule in public policy is enforcement. Are you listening BN!
