National Reconciliation....

A project such as national reconciliation would require all our collective cooperation and input. It cannot be accomplished by any one Malaysian acting alone.

1 It’s time to put divisive politics behind us.

Let’s face it: the BN did not face a formidable opposition capable of taking over the government until Anwar surfaced as the leader of Pakatan Rakyat (PR). The Anwar Ibrahim phenomenon itself, ironically, is a Mahathir legacy. We are a different country today.

2 It’s time to stop the pretense and draw the line with Perkasa

Zulkifli Noordin

Najib cannot expect national reconciliation while continuing to allow Umno to tango with Perkasa. The way Umno made way for Datuk Ibrahim Ali in Pasir Mas fooled no one. Let’s face the facts: both Ibrahim and Zulkifli Noordin, who had been thumping their chests over Malay rights, lost in predominantly Malay constituencies. Their results would have been far worse had they stood in mixed constituencies. The message is very clear: Malaysians reject extremist politics, and if Umno wants to lead Malaysia, it should start rejecting the same. After all, it was not the MCA or Gerakan that won the elections but Umno.

3 Stop thinking along racial lines

It’s easy to start talking about a “Chinese tsunami”. But do not forget, the opposition won substantial non-Chinese votes. On the flip side, Chinese Malaysians voted for many non-Chinese opposition candidates, including from PAS.

The support for the opposition seems broad-based, and that is bad news for BN’s future. This is especially in light of the fact that many BN constituencies were won with razor-thin margins. There is a strong tide of dissent and it is not originating from Chinese Malaysians alone. The earlier the BN starts thinking beyond racial lines, the better it is for them in future elections.

4 No, it’s not all about the economy

Since we’re talking about Chinese Malaysians, let’s also talk about what is perceived to be the most important factor for them, i.e. the economy. A strong economy is simply not enough. There is no intention by Chinese Malaysians to usurp political power. Not that I know of, anyway.

But Chinese Malaysians want to be part of the nation-building process. They want to feel that they belong to this country. They don’t have a “homeland” to go home to. This is their home and their future. They are tired of being the bogey to scare Malay Malaysians into submission to Umno. Chinese Malaysians do not like fear-mongering. Umno cannot spout Malay supremacy and entitlements, and call non-Malay Malaysians “pendatang” and still expect Chinese Malaysian support on just the strength of the economy.

5 It’s time for Umno to start building bridges with Chinese Malaysians directly

The MCA and Gerakan have been rejected. If they put their hands to their hearts, they themselves should know why. So, how can Umno win the hearts of Chinese Malaysians? By building bridges directly with them. Don’t go through MCA and Gerakan as intermediaries. Don’t rely on cronies who are more than willing to give a buck to earn a buck. Don’t be duped by tycoons who throw lavish dinners. Chinese Malaysians will attend out of courtesy, or for the meal, but that signifies nothing. Don’t rely on “I love PM” T-shirts given out to college students who are made to wear them. (Clue: If a group of young people turn up in uniform, you can bet your last ringgit that the uniform was compulsory).

Take a leaf from PAS’s books. Chinese Malaysians seem to have lost their fear of PAS, which even fielded a Christian candidate as their own even if he lost by more than 7,000 votes. Why can’t there be a Kelab Penyokong Cina Umno as well? I’m sure this club will very soon attract more effective members than the MCA.

It’s time Malaysians stop the politicking and move on with life. There’s a nation to be built.