JUNE 5 — Following the results of the PAS party elections with the re-election of Dato’ Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang as well as a pro-ulama group victory, it is fair to say that the conflicting ideas are now threatening the very existence of Pakatan Rakyat.

Since the formation of Pakatan Rakyat coalition in 2008, it had given millions of Malaysians hope to witness a change in government at the federal level. After 7 years and back to present day, is this finally the end of the road for the opposition coalition party?

Is Pakatan Rakyat finally at a point of no return?

Is its disintegration the only solution left?

Speaking in personal terms, I do not agree, as well as do not wish to see the break-up of Pakatan Rakyat as the only solution left to solve its conflicting ideas. So, one may ask, what are the options available for the coalition party in saving this fast sinking ship?

Before progressing any further, it is important for me to first state that I am not a supporter of the hudud law being implemented in the fabric of the Malaysian society. This particular view is also shared by the former Prime Minister Dr Mahatir Mohamad, stating his shock for the support of hudud by Umno.

However, in a truly democracy world, it is still necessary to adopt an inclusive approach and understand the main factors behind the obsession of PAS and hudud before proposing a solution.

Based on logical reasoning and thinking from another perspective, it is fair to say that the championing of the hudud law by PAS could be an attempt to gain more votes from the Muslim population, simply by being more Islamic than Umno.

While the hudud law can be seen as an outdated and inhumane policy by the urban population, it is rational for PAS to interpret it as pivotal in winning the hearts of the rural population in the likes of Kelantan and Terengganu.

By providing a solution in terms of democracy, I believe that the best way forward at present day for Pakatan Rakyat is to resolve the hudud issue in Parliament. After all, PAS would still need the endorsement of at least half the Members of Parliament for it to practice its proposed sharia law in Kelantan.

Maybe MP’s might not support the hudud law in Parliament, but they might support giving Kelantan the right to determine its own criminal laws.

There might be speeches and remarks that certain proportion of society do not wish to hear, but freedom of speech, as well as the right to bring forward issues for debate is still the core principles of democracy. Hence, rather than voicing out with discontent and denying the right of PAS to even bring up the hudud issue to Parliament, we should first see whether or not PAS will get a simple majority for the law to be passed.

One perfect example of such inclusive approach can be seen in the United Kingdom just recently.

Although the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron strongly opposes the idea of Great Britain leaving the European Union, a referendum is still included in his election manifesto in order for the British public to vote for their preferences. I believe the same can be achieved for the case of Pakatan Rakyat and hudud.

Furthermore, I also think that leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition should convene for critical reflection regarding the future of Pakatan Rakyat. Despite that there will be conflicting ideas between member parties, I still believe that a common framework and the core principles of Pakatan Rakyat can be renegotiated.

By adopting a constructive approach instead of a destructive one, by having an honest and cool private meeting rather than exchanging words through the media, I believe the sour relationship between member parties of Pakatan Rakyat can still be salvaged. There will always be hope for a continued constructive cooperation of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

The golden opportunity for the corrupt Barisan National government to be finally defeated is right in front of our doorstep.

Every party in the Pakatan Rakyat coalition is equally important in contributing to the ultimate success to gain federal power and capture Putrajaya.

Therefore, instead of Pakatan Rakyat member parties fighting among each other, it is important for Pakatan Rakyat to get back in shape and focus on returning the hope and dreams that many ordinary Malaysians once dreamed of. 


* Roger Teoh is a third-year student who recently completed his undergraduate studies in civil engineering at The University of Manchester.


** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.