BALIK PULAU – The Muda-Warisan alliance, which has disclosed plans to contest in Penang for the next general election, will likely be fielding only “dealers” rather than leaders, said a former PKR senator.
Yusmadi Yusoff told The Vibes that their main intention is to disrupt the political landscape here rather than offer solutions to the myriad of issues afflicting the state.
He said that over time, voters want parties who can produce leaders to steer the country through one of the most turbulent times in recent memory from a pandemic to a global economic slowdown, technological disruptions, and climate change.
“Unfortunately for those dealers who cite race and religion, the problems plaguing the nation encompass everyone, not just the elite or B40 but every Malaysian.”
Yusmadi said that the voters, who are becoming increasingly sophisticated, want leaders to represent them with conviction rather than just people who prefer to deal or bargain on their political careers but lack the right leadership tonic to take the country forward.
“Even the youth want leaders, not just people who after failing to make inroads elsewhere come aboard new parties. They are dealers rather than leaders.
“Voters also want parties who are sincere and who are battling based on principles and not just on money, race and religion. I think we have enough orators; we want leaders.”
Even a one-party system will struggle in the face of an onslaught of a world in turbulence, said Yusmadi, who is also special officer (legislative affairs) to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The alliance of Sabah-based Warisan and Muda needs to be given due respect and may perform well, but voters will also want to see the composition of their leaders – those who can manage, not those who are mere dealers or followers, he added.
To demonstrate leadership qualities, Yusmadi said, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance, which has governed Penang since 2008, should engage in more debates and produce more workable solutions.
Yusmadi was offering his insight after reports emerged that Warisan-Muda has intentions to contest in Penang, and have offered lucrative deals to lure those disgruntled with PH to join their platform.
While offering praise to the moderate stance of Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, he noted that the reality is the party has only administered its home state of Sabah for less than a full electoral term.
“If you ask a discerning voter, which Penang has many of such, would they want a battle-tested alliance to take the state forward, or upstarts who have no proven track record of administering or leading?” Yusmadi asked.
Given time, he said, the Warisan-Muda alliance may be a strong force but Malaysian voters tend to be guarded.
“Remember, it took DAP and PKR more than three decades to make a breakthrough in Penang,” said Yusmadi.
He said that PH nonetheless should never underestimate any party, nor the independents, as voters tend to surprise leaders, which is why parties spend a lot on hiring analysts and specialists to help them win or stay in power.
“I also think people are fed up with the various moves to block Anwar from leading. Perhaps they may just want to give him just once – an opportunity.”
Yusmadi also said that people enter politics to serve and to enact changes, not just for self-enrichment or “dealing”, to see who grabs power.
“It is not just about winning and subsequently not knowing what to do with the power they have won.
“We must have a vision and a belief that what we are doing will benefit everyone. Along the way, sacrifices must be made. Nothing comes easy in trying to change the minds of the people,” said Yusmadi. – The Vibes, January 17, 2022
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