KUALA LUMPUR – Calling the current Malaysian political climate Machiavellian, Tan Sri Kamal Hassan called for a paradigm of new leadership.
The author of Corruption and Hypocrisy in Malay-Muslim Politics said that this was his first time writing about Malay politics, and he did so to address the rot that has festered in the nation’s political arena.
“I feel like my time is about to end. I may have to return to Allah soon, but the political scenario is frustrating.
“I have been observing political development in the country for 70 years, and I feel that things are getting worse,” Kamal said on Awani’s Consider This programme yesterday.
Pointing towards Malay nationalism as a factor, he said nationalists initially came with an agenda to uplift the economic position of the Malays.
However, he said, with the absence of the restraint brought forth by ethics and sound religious values, Malay leaders became more corrupt.
Pointing out that Malay nationalists are largely secular-oriented and comprise westernised elites, the political model inherited from the British separating religion from politics led to the current crisis where corruption and hypocrisy has bred in the nation’s governance.
“I have been observing the double standards, where (politicians) say one thing in public and another in private, disregarding promises made.
“But nationalist leaders are used to these things because it is universally practised. Nationalist leaders have the idea that once you enter politics you can’t always be too straight or honest,” Kamal added.
The author and academic called on ethical Malay leaders, youth, and non-government organisations to play a role in shifting the paradigm of Malaysian politics.
Kamal said that while more time is needed, he is optimistic that new and young leaders will have to combat corruption as their main agenda.
“It would be a sign of stupidity to increase the number of Malay parties.
“Instead, I would like to see a decrease in parties and more ethical-moral consciousness,” Kamal added. - The Vibes, January 8, 2022
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