Beyond the economy

Professor Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
My View - The Sun Daily
March 28, 2017

THE prime minister's call directed to certain parties not to sabotage the economy must be extended to all Malaysians. He zeroed in on issues of "political differences" and "party politics". But there is more to it. Even when the views and opinions are without facts and basis, it does create an impression that the opposing "views and opinions", rightly or wrongly, have been rather persuasive for the call to be made. Especially when the government has the upper hand in the use of official media to convey its (counter) messages nationally and globally.

Perhaps there are other factors at play, namely the question of trust and trustworthiness, which most governments have to grapple with. Some have dealt with the situation better than others. But any attempt to "silence" other views is certainly not an option because it tends to reinforce the mistrust towards the government.

As such having more open debates like the one that is supposed to take place between a former prime minister and the minister of tourism and culture at Kuala Kangsar should be encouraged. In this way, Malaysians from all walks of life can make up their own mind as to who to better trust based on the full broadcast of the event where not just what is said is crucial but the body language too. Indeed many experts reckon that the latter supersedes the former in shaping perceptions of the viewers and not just the listeners. That is why televised debates are the norm in many mature democracies and often telecast.

We have attempted to do the same previously but were scuttled at the very last moment. The Kuala Kangsar event – now facing uncertainty – will also not be televised. Authorities say that it involves just two "individuals" (read: not representing any political parties). This reasoning is difficult to follow since debates to further inform the public are as good as any in a democratic society. It does not have to be among those with political ranks.

After all debates involving such individuals as televised from Parliament are often less impressive (to say the least). Despite the millions spent to refurbish the venue, the "substance" coming out of it is still below par relative to the Dewan's new look. Some political habits (like the shouting matches using crass expressions) continue regardless. It looks like taxpayers' money is being wasted since the debates still lack finesse and decorum as clearly evident from the telecasts.

Some lessons can also be drawn from South Korea. Its disgraced former president, Park Geun-hye, has been described as "aloof" and a woman of few words yet her actions were potent enough to cause her downfall. This despite the deceitful manoeuvres to avoid answering allegations of suspected high-level corruption and abuse of power linking politics and business. She faces multiple charges from coercion to bribery. The whole episode undermines South Korea beyond just its hallowed economy.

She is the fourth leader of the country to be investigated over corruption but the first to be impeached. Her denials of any wrongdoing eventually culminated in a nationwide apology as the prosecutors began to grill the former president who admitted: "I will undergo the investigation sincerely."

Aptly enough "sincerely" is the key when it comes to handling the threat of national security and survival. It covers not just what is being said in public or private, but also the displayed behaviour intentional or otherwise (through clear body language) as depicted by lifestyles tainted by corrupt and untenable practices.

For example as highlighted by the MACC this involved millions of ringgit stashed in bank accounts, luxury items – ranging from cars to other personal effects, including of the family (like handbags, being the latest revealed) as well as the "jet-setting" and "golfing". Such superfluous living often overwhelm mere views and opinions in undermining national reputation, not limited to any one aspect like the economy.

As the South Korean saga clearly showed, at the end of the day no one will be spared once "sincerity" is transgressed. No matter how much one is able to hide it, truth has a way of exposing all the devious deeds over time. What is deeply regrettable, however, by then the nation and citizens have suffered humiliation that undermined their dignity never mind the economy. And this refers to all Malaysians not only certain parties.