LETTER | The politics of identity glosses over the real needs in many societies.

These identity fault lines are exploited and emotionally, these resonate with people’s grievances. Yet, these are not the bread-and-butter issues that politicians should be held to account.

The issues of social justice, equality, freedom, inflation, cost of living and the need to provide equal opportunities are glossed over as emotional issues of blame and hurt galvanise the electorate and consume their votes

Be it issues relating to colour, ethnicity, religion or nationality - these are equally felt by all in different ways and democracy becomes a victim of majoritarianism.

Identity issues provide the numbers and the electorate votes based on their emotions and prejudices that have been fanned by politicians. Their “victim mentality” blinds them from more existential basic realities.

Elected into power are politicians who have little capacity to unite, warlords who have been in the Parliament for decades making very little difference with their presence.

We now have a former prime minister who championed Vision 2020 questioning the multi-ethnic character of Malaysian society.

However, many of them have gained an economic status beyond their capacities enriching themselves in the name of promoting race and religion. Amazing how we have been duped over the years.

The more you divide, the more divisive it becomes. Pakistan could be a case in point. A nation founded on a religious principle born out of division continues this divisive spell on its present population.

Intra-Islamic divisions prevail and, in some instances, tribal divisions further complicate issues on the ground. The government, army and politics have not helped to meet the needs of the population despite Pakistan being an Islamic state.

Division is not inclusive and it perpetuates more fragmentation. Consider how race has played out in Sri Lanka, a beautiful and prosperous island nation.

The issue between the Sinhala and Tamil populations and the protracted civil war consumed national resources and bled the population.

What then happened to the victorious forces? When the “cause” was over, there was much bitterness but the politicians in power sought wealth for themselves.

They forgot the interest of Sri Lankans as a whole and today, the nation is reeling from the after-effects of ethnic violence and economic mismanagement. The suffering is felt by all Sri Lankans.

Take South Africa, a nation born with the vision that Nelson Mandela held through the African National Congress (ANC). The sheer corruption and colour politics has taken the focus away from the needs of South Africa as a whole. Even the present president has corruption issues that he has to resolve.

Former President Jacob Zuma had to face corruption charges and the Aggravals (the equivalent to Low Taek Jo or Jo Low of Malaysia) have fled to the United Arab Emirates.

South Africa is likewise facing serious economic issues and the ANC has many challenges before they next face the electorate.

‘Going too far’

In India, we have the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and while they have done some good things, one cannot overlook how they manipulate the “Hindu” card.

Many educated Indians have fallen for this ruse to the fear tactics based on myths. Anti-Muslim sentiments are fanned to secure votes under the “Hindutva” banner. Again, divisive politics and majoritarianism undercut the quality of Indian democracy.

In Malaysia, we have played the race card for too long. It is an easy route to electoral victory but the quality of leadership has been very wanting. We have developed global ranking kleptocrats and corruption is endemic.

As I have stressed division divides and today the Malay community is splintered. This is the final result of playing race and religion as issues to garner votes rather than the well-being of all citizens at large.

Umno is no more united and neither is Bersatu, another Malay political entity. Great names but are hollow in their achievements.

We bluff ourselves that BN still matters with MIC and MCA opting out of the state elections. Their end is near.

We can never build a cohesive society based on identity issues. Diversity is a reality in today’s globalised world and the issues that have to be immediately addressed are the basic challenges confronting people.

It includes issues of health, education, employment, wages and ensuring that these basic needs are addressed and conform to the realities of today.

We witness, even in Malaysia, the difference in the standards of economic development and this varies from state to state.

While issues of logistics, infrastructure, ports, transport and roads are all critical to development and this should be the focus our politicians spend their time playing the race and religion cards.

Meanwhile, as champions of race and religious issues, they enrich themselves and corrupt the nation. The endemic nature of corruption is a reality that cannot be glossed over.

While there is so much overt religiosity, there is very little evidence of character and quality of leadership that responds to national needs.

Many of our politicians play on divisive issues. They remain politically bankrupt. They do not have the capacity to provide progressive solutions to the challenges we face today as a nation.

At least for the moment, under the present unity government, we hear an inclusive tone from the top. While politicians will play to the gallery, we are nevertheless hearing voices of inclusiveness.

Pakatan Harapan is a multi-racial coalition that emphasises justice, democracy and fairness. The future will be one of coalition politics made up of different combinations of ultra-parties and middle-of-the-road parties. This will force political parties to work together.

There are institutional reforms that are on the agenda and these should all ultimately erode the ethnic and religious stranglehold on the electorate.

Otherwise, we will remain a fragmented society. Our goal is to build a cohesive nation that respects diversity and expresses the best in all religions to inspire unity and confidence.

We need politicians who can unite people, transcend differences and set a goal that ensures society pulls together in one direction. Meeting the needs of all ensures the security and well-being of the nation. We can never build a humane society without considering humanity as a whole.

The reality is that we are today a very polarised society despite the Rukunegara, Vision 2020, Malaysian Family and 1Malaysia slogans. It is our hope that Malaysia Madani will not meet the same fate.

We need a new affirmative action that focuses on unity in all our endeavours.

This should be reflected in the civil service, armed forces, education and in government-linked-companies.

This will resonate with every Malaysian that he or she matters and that responsibility is given to all.

A Consultative Committee of Malaysians can address this agenda as we look ahead.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.