The "Bangsawan" Candidate
28 Sept, 2008
As the turmoil of Malaysian politics continues unabated, it seems quite likely that the leadership of Umno (and possibly the Premiership) will fall to the hands of Najib Razak. What can we expect from a administration led by this son of our second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak?
One important thing to note in any discussion of the directions of a Najib premiership is the fact that he, like his cousin Hishamuddin Hussein 'bangsawan' (or aristocratic) politicians. To outsiders it would appear that their rise through Umno has been charmed and unobstructed. The reality, however, is that their rise to power is due as much to their own deft management of party politics as it is to their familial connections and wealth.
At their best, they can be the most racially inclusive of figures: cosmopolitan, urbane and well-educated. On the other hand, the 'bangsawan' candidates can be deeply conservative and resistant, if not openly hostile to change. This may have to change however, for Najib's reluctance to endorse and promote the civil liberties reform agenda is actually undermining his own career.
| "Pursuing these will be the first step of Barisan/Umno's comeback trail, while seeking status quo will be yet another nail in its coffin." |
Consider the potential power bases his refusals are costing him. As an educated and modern politician, Najib's natural supporters should be the very middle-class Malaysians that are his fiercest critics. Many of them have not forgotten the contributions of his father, and some even project onto him the best qualities of Razak, forgetting in turn that even the elder statesman had his flaws.
As it were, Umno's utilization of racialist politics have sent countless of votes that ought to have gone their way to the other side. Educated, talented young Malays are avoiding politics like the plague, robbing the party of a talented cadre that can discard the outmoded ways and bring the party forward.
A lot of the blame and disappointment of this has been laid, unfairly or not, on the doors of 'bangsawan' politicians like Najib. One does, after all, have the right to expect more from such people. The principle of noblesse oblige means that great privilege comes with great duty and even greater standards.
This is not to say that Najib does not have strengths of his own, however. There's no doubt that Najib is one of our smartest politicians. He's extremely well-read and possesses a rigorous mind. His unflappable disposition is well suited to the demands of governance.
He presides over meetings effortlessly, can summarize discussions succinctly and understands the importance of prioritizing issues. In technocratic terms, he far outstrips his rivals both in and outside the Government. Although of course, critics again see this as a reflection of Umno's own lack of human capital rather than any intrinsic brilliance on his part.
We should not underestimate Najib's ability to spring surprises, however. His apology to the Indian community over the demolition of Hindu temples in Selangor (which sparked the Hindraf movement), was a break from the arrogance of Umno's leadership on this issue- although of course this did nothing to prevent that community's swing against Barisan.
One gets a sense that it is his innate conservatism that is preventing him from pushing forward much-needed reforms, reforms that will swing public support back to Umno/Barisan and the lack of which is costing the coalition. For all of his family connections and much-vaunted capabilities, neither of these will turn back the clock nor negate the need for substantive change in Malaysia.
Also, the controversies surrounding the Altantuya murder case are not going to go away and will blot the legitimacy of his potential term in office dearly. What Najib must come to terms with is the fact that the people of Malaysia, with sole exception of Umno loyalists look upon him with a jaundiced eye because they don't trust the institutions of state.
Championing the reform agenda, as well as accountability and transparency- what more now that he is Finance Minister, will assuage the many reservations against him. The lists of initiatives are obvious: cleaning up the courts, enhancing the professionalization the police force and freeing up the media and so much more.
Pursuing these will be the first step of Barisan/Umno's comeback trail, while seeking status quo will be yet another nail in its coffin. Najib and his advisors need to realize that the weakened institutions of state in Malaysia as well as their continued enervation only plays into the hands of Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Rakyat.
It is pointless, as I said earlier, to view Najib as anything but an aristocratic politician. But adopting a people-centred approach to governance, if he is granted that mantle, will ensure that he will be a successful one. (By KARIM RASLAN/ MySinchew)
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