FEB 17 ― I must admit, when I first read Zaid Ibrahim’s article on his intentions and reasons when he contemplates whether to run as a candidate (which he has now confirmed publicly), I was quite impressed. His analysis of the current problems Selangor face and that little pinch of compassion and understanding that he has shown towards the people of Selangor made it an enjoyable read.
But then I realised, all that was said only goes back to merely selling rhetoric, and it is precisely the reason why Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) is running for Kajang: effectiveness.
Effectiveness
The number one reason why DSAI is running for Kajang is to gain political legitimacy in Selangor so to have an effective channel to lead the Selangor government and the political coalition on addressing stinging problems that mainly hinge on racial and religious lines.
When articulating the “Kajang Move,” the common assumption underlying the intended outcome is that DSAI is able to carry out these changes and make a bold stance of these prevalent issues, with and only with the current backing of the Pakatan coalition. This assumption is likely to be actualised as Pakatan holds a commanding majority in the Assembly and government, and thus is able to influence changes under the leadership of DSAI, be it DSAI is to be Menteri Besar (MB) or not.
In contrast to Zaid Ibrahim, running as an independent candidate will not allow him to be an effective assemblyman even if he was to be successfully elected. Even if, as Zaid intends, that he is able to present his ideas and thoughts, that the public might share, through a legitimate channel (State Assembly), all that is going to happen at best is that what he said would be recorded officially and nothing more.
This is because the realities in most democratic Parliaments around the world translate into the State Assembly situations in Selangor. That is, assemblymen toe party lines during voting time in deciding whether to pass a state legislation. This is truer when we consider the fact that State Assembly has “backbenchers committee” that is headed by the chief party whip to ensure that assemblymen votes according to party decisions so that legislations can be passed through.
This is for practical reasons so that the governing coalition is able to carry out laws that help fulfill their promises made during election campaigning periods. Only a small number of legislations will allow members of the Assembly to vote freely and independently without party discipline, under what is called conscience vote or free vote.
As long as Zaid Ibrahim is an independent assemblyman, he adds little value to the actual effectiveness passing legislations in the Selangor State Assembly. While DSAI’s move is aimed at greater effectiveness (and is more plausible), and coupled with a promise that the current problems, especially in relation to racial and religious divide, will end, Zaid Ibrahim cannot offer any of these foreseeable changes.
Political capital
Moreover, if one could acknowledge the benefits of having one of the strongest political leaders like DSAI running in Kajang, Zaid Ibrahim in contrast does not possess the same political standards and experiences as DSAI. While it is true that Zaid makes a persuasive and articulate political commentator, he has hardly ever demonstrated any political abilities, let alone political leadership. If we can agree that what is required in Selangor now is precisely a prominent political figure, then Zaid cannot fit that bill.
Zaid Ibrahim remains an influential figure in public, and his opinions do matter to many quarters of society, but as long as he is not an assemblyman from Pakatan or Barisan Nasional, nothing of his ideas will materialise. His opinions will just be like before.
‘Punish Anwar’
Another question to ask is whether using this important by-election to “punish Anwar” is worth it. Many critics and cynics have claimed that the “Kajang Move” was undemocratic even when the concept of democracy is much more complex than understood, and that this was only to resolve an internal power struggle between Azmin and Khalid, despite the countless explanations by PKR that this was not the primary purpose. But “punish Anwar” will only be appropriate if we can agree that Selangor is good as it remains and there is not a single worry.
On the other hand, if we agree that Selangor might be facing some unprecedented serious racial and religious intolerance incited repeatedly by irresponsible groups and individuals, that is biting the backs of societal harmony like a ticking time bomb, then we must cast our votes to the person who could potentially bring these preposterous acts to a halt. Additionally, if we agree that Selangor can do much better in fulfilling its political promises, then we must cast our votes to the person who is most likely to affect this reality.
Perhaps contrary to what Zaid has claimed, Zaid might be the one who eventually betrays the people’s trust, if (as I assume) he knows that he will not be an effective driver for the change that is needed in these dire moments. His rhetoric intends to persuade people that the current problems would end if he does get elected. Well, that will be a betrayal of the people’s trust if he knew he could hardly do anything substantial out of that ADUN ticket.
In the end, despite it was not ill-intent, what the voters and Selangor people might gain if Zaid Ibrahim does win, is nothing more than his own personal satisfaction.
He could still have satay and discuss politics with the people in Kajang over Teh o’ Ais any day.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
