KUALA LUMPUR – Prior to the 14th general election in 2018, public discontent towards the Barisan Nasional (BN) government amid allegations of corruption surrounding the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal had threatened to derail the coalition’s chances of retaining federal power.
Then led by Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the ruling coalition did nothing to address the issue effectively or allay frustrations, and was made to pay the ultimate price of being booted out of Putrajaya.
Although pundits argue that this is not the sole reason behind BN’s collapse, the discontent among the rakyat towards Najib and his cohorts certainly played a huge part – with the writing on the wall months ahead of the polls.
This episode, according to several political observers, should serve as a lesson to the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration to not take the people’s voices for granted.
Of late, several hashtags reflecting the frustrations of Malaysians at those in power have trended on Twitter, including #TamatDarurat and #KerajaanGagal, as the rakyat demands the lifting of the emergency and highlights the government’s many shortcomings.
Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Prof Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani told The Vibes that, while the people’s frustration today is not a direct indication of what is to come in the next election, PN should not underestimate the power of Malaysian voters, who have proven that they are capable of bringing about change through the ballot box.
“The rakyat voted out the government once; they know they have the power to do it again,” he said.
“Yes, some quarters can say the emergency was called to delay the election, but that’s just a perception for now, because there’s also the Covid-19 argument.
“But even if it is delayed, I think Malaysians can wait and will express their anger through their votes.
“That was what happened to BN in 2018; it can happen to PN in the next election.”
Azizuddin said this is more likely to happen, considering the various constraints plaguing the current government in getting support from the ground, especially with the inexperience of Bersatu.
He said looking at the current circumstances – with Umno also declaring it will not collaborate with PN in the election – the latter’s best chance of winning will depend on fence sitters throwing their support behind the ruling coalition.
Azizuddin said it is vital that those in power pay more attention to what is being shared by the public online, including issues concerning delays in the country’s vaccine roll-out, lack of jobs, the declining economy, and dissatisfaction over the suspension of Parliament.
“However, leaders in BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) must know that public anger is not exclusive to PN.
“Each coalition has somewhat contributed to the problems we are facing today,” he said.
Covid and the economy
National Professors Council chairman Prof Datuk Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said the discontent felt by many Malaysians today is reminiscent of BN’s final days in power, as the people found more confidence to go against the government in the run-up to GE14.
On whether this will translate to votes in the coming election, the academician said it will depend on PN addressing two key issues – reducing Covid-19 infections and improving the people’s economy.
“The rakyat don’t care if (Umno president) Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had a phone conversation with (PKR president) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“What they care about is their health and the economy.
“That’s the key. When it comes to politicking among the political elite, both the government and opposition are not doing any good.
“The people are only concerned about what they are going to eat, and if they’ll die because of Covid-19,” he said.
Shamsul said the government has not helped itself by not addressing the concerns of the public, who are becoming more unsettled in recent months.
Public anger
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Assoc Prof Lee Kuok Tiung said BN’s mistake of overlooking the power of social media should be a lesson for PN to take the people’s views more seriously.
“In fact, if Najib had ’performed’ in the last election like how he is performing now through his social media accounts, addressing and commenting on various issues, I’m convinced BN would have won in the last general election,” he said.
“BN’s biggest mistake was ignoring all the allegations and criticisms hurled at it.”
Lee said if PN does not address the people’s anger towards it, it will risk being voted out in the coming polls, noting how Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s approval rating has dropped significantly since taking over as prime minister last year.
Lee added that the government could have avoided much of the public condemnation and rebuke it is receiving now had it steered clear of unwarranted controversies, such as issuing statements that appear to make light of the rakyat’s struggles.
In particular, he noted how Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said graduates should be grateful if they have a job, even with a low salary, amid a struggling economy. – The Vibes, April 22, 2021
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