MAY 21 — We are used to the absence of any public display of pride during Merdeka anniversaries.

Tourists would have no idea of the Aug 31 relevance unless they visited Putrajaya where the Jalur Gemilang would adorn government buildings.

It seemed flying the Jalur Gemilang during Merdeka celebrations was akin to endorsing the Umno/Barisan Nasional (BN) rule. The 2012 Merdeka theme "55 years of Independence: Promises Fulfilled” (Janji Ditepati), is a good case in point. How did our nation’s 55th anniversary celebrations turn into an Umno/BN testimonial festivity?

Ownership of the nation and the ruling political organisation is blurred.

Post GE14, Khairy Jamaluddin has posited Umno could open membership to all, for instance as the "United Malaysian National Organisation”. In 1951 founder and president Datuk Onn Jaafar had to leave Umno five years into its establishment when his idea of opening membership to all Malayans was rejected. Scholars and political observers have since said Onn was a man "ahead of his time”. Could that "time” be now?

Umno, with the most extensive political network in the nation, would be closer to being a "government-in-waiting” by being inclusive. Realistically, when would a non-Malay member be voted to helm Umno — maybe after 18 AGMs or 54 years? Should it then matter?

Mahathirism 2.0?

When Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad chaired the Citizen’s Declaration on March 4, 2016, I was one of many who didn’t think him qualified. How can this man with his Machiavellian-styled leadership of 22 years lead us to rescue the nation from high-handed governance?

But the signatories are the poster boys of the Opposition and icons of civil society activism. They just needed each other to raise the decibel, I mused.

Then Dr Mahathir attended a High Court hearing on Sept 5, 2016 to meet Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah confirmed both had last met on Sept 2, 1998 — when Anwar was dismissed as deputy prime minister by Dr Mahathir. This encounter most certainly couldn’t be easy for Dr Mahathir.

The next engagement was on Feb 10 last year, also in the High Court premises, to solidify Dr Mahathir’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PBBM) as a member of the Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.

By July 14, the PH leadership line-up was announced, with Anwar as the de facto leader, Dr Mahathir chairman, and Dr Wan Azizah president.

On March 8, PH launched its 194-page elections manifesto. It promised massive reforms which would be executed over the next five years if the pact was voted in.

Dr Mahathir, who was the reason for the Reformasi movement in 1998, was now leading this monumental agenda. Isn’t truth stranger than fiction?

Dr Mahathir has promised he won’t stay longer than two years, after which he will hand over to Anwar. He had reiterated on several occasions a royal pardon would be sought to facilitate the process for Anwar’s ascension, and on May 16, Anwar received his unconditional pardon.

From April 28, soon after the nomination exercise, Dr Mahathir campaigned like he never campaigned before.

Dr Mahathir became our fourth prime minister on July 16, 1981. He took charge immediately. He introduced clocking-in to emphasise time-keeping and the wearing of name tags as a reminder to act with accountability. I was an instant fan. He led BN into GE6 (1982) and won 132 of 154 seats, achieving 60.5 per cent in the popular vote.

Dr Mahathir was a man in a terrific hurry. It increasingly became clear to politicians and civil servants alike that his management philosophy was that to be feared is far better than to be loved. Fear is strengthened by the dread of punishment. Those who can’t be intimidated will be crushed.

We had Operasi Lalang, a crisis in the judiciary, the Anwar dismissal, and so on. Were those rough actions really necessary? He started the "no contest” practice in Umno; nothing must be in his way.

With the immense influence and power, did he leave us with the best leadership in 2003?

Mahathir of 2018

Many agitated for his apology before they could accept his leadership.

He wasn’t bothered. But his subsequent actions were much more than anyone could have ever expected.

Perhaps it was the thousands who turned up at campaign locations because he represented hope, the unstinting support and sincerity of his coalition partners, the let bygones-be-bygones felt by Anwar and his family, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali’s constant whisperings, his daughter Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir’s habitual musings, turning 93 in two months, or...?

A few days ago Anwar said he is convinced Dr Mahathir cares for the country, and in Anwar’s books that is voluminous. I truly believe Dr Mahathir has resolved to make amends, albeit his way.

The stage is set for Anwar to be the eighth prime minister via a most tumultuous route, and for DAP to be an integral part of the federal government.

I know Dr Mahathir’s legacy will go way beyond institutional reforms, as more important to him will be the lasting political structure in that it will not be easy for any partner to assume an over-domineering role. BN’s failing started with Umno’s unchecked dominance.

Postscript

I am especially excited with Amanah’s success. Get ready for their brand of Islam — the type which spreads peace and goodwill.

In the next few days I will tattoo Jalur Gemilang on my arm like I promised myself when the country is returned to her people.

Top of my wish list is the closure of Biro Tata Negara in its present form, the repeal of the Sedition Act, and a review of the Judicial Appointments Commission.

I am feeling the Merdeka spirit even now.

* Datuk Lee Yew Meng is CEO/executive director of Genovasi Malaysia

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