Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin used to refer to himself as “Abah”. He drew flak then from citizens, with his patriarchal threat to “use the cane” (rotan), should the public not comply with the government.
The father metaphor did not sit well with most of us. It was authoritarian at best. During the 17 months of political turmoil, there was a dramatic deterioration in freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. There were too many instances of VIPs pulling rank despite misbehaving.
Ordinary citizens were punished for inconsequential acts, on top of a raging pandemic, rising deaths, economic hardship, and messy movement controls. We the public were angry, desperate, and exasperated.
We did not see Muhyiddin performing as a “father” of our troubled nation. He was not “fatherly” enough, to influence and impart values, to confer a healthy identity, and to provide security, especially emotional security.
We now have a new metaphor— the Malaysian Family.
Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s inaugural speech as our ninth prime minister was not repulsive. His less patriarchal approach to healing Malaysia is most welcome. This could mean he is willing to function within a “protective unit”, that encourages consultation, transparency, inclusivity, and good values. Let’s put it to the test then.
First, we have yet to see how the National Recovery Council will perform, or even if the new cabinet will comprise capable, compassionate, and intelligent lawmakers. One thing is for sure, though — a family with too many children is bound to suffer. The task of feeding too many mouths will be an economic burden.
Time for a trim, inclusive cabinet
Citizens hope the next cabinet will not be bloated with superfluous and meaningless positions. Our leaders keep making the same mistakes. If a deputy prime minister is to be appointed, make sure the individual is knowledgeable about the portfolio, is not racist, or sexist. He or she should have no conflict of interest and must uphold the values of clean government. That’s all.
There is no need to appoint two, three or 10 deputies as a favour to appease certain parties. The act of selecting a trimmed, inclusive, and robust cabinet will reflect the integrity of our new prime minister.
Show respect for the people
Second, it is time for lawmakers to soil their hands and knees. Be in touch with the ordinary folks in your constituencies. Communicate with us openly and consistently. Do it politely, not frivolously. Do not talk down to us. Instead, consider all 32 million Malaysians as respected members of one family unit. It is here where we the public will decide if the contents of Ismail’s speech was indeed genuine, or just empty rhetoric penned by a skilled speechwriter.
We hope not.
Time to restore dignity and civility
Finally, no family likes secrecy and rude behaviour among its members. We hope PM9 will consider a “finishing school” for all MPs.
Elite incivility has grown in Malaysian politics. Rude behaviour, yelling parliamentarians, and racist and sexist remarks have become quite common in the Dewan Rakyat. The former US president, Donald Trump, took incivility to great heights, of course, but Ismail could hold the trump card here in Malaysia.
Over the years, the Malaysian public and academic community have been perturbed by the shouting and name-calling in the Dewan Rakyat. Maybe the new administration could consider “schooling” these lawmakers, to create a more civilised elite discourse. We are fed up and cringe every time Parliament is in session.
The US has the National Institute for Civil Discourse and the Institute for Civility in Government. We should consider something similar.
Also, when parliament resumes, we hope parliamentarians will show more dignity, and engage in intelligent discourse. Know your facts before commenting. You may disagree with one another, but please refrain from being disagreeable. Show respect, as if you are a family of 222 siblings. We, the public, have been put through the wringer since the beginning of 2020. Please change.
Best of luck to all Malaysians. Let us hope for progress.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of The Independent.
