Why PN Should Stand Firm And Uphold the Values of Democracy
These are my personal views. Whether others agree or not with them does not matter, but the most important is that no one should feel 'koyak' reading them
Malaysia’s democracy has evolved significantly in recent years. In 2021, the then-government set a landmark precedent by allocating funds to opposition MPs, signaling a step toward more inclusive governance. However, the situation today appears to contradict these principles, with the Madani government seemingly tying funding for opposition MPs to signing agreements. Perikatan Nasional (PN) has rightly rejected this approach, and here’s why:
1. Upholding Democratic Integrity
Democracy thrives on freedom of expression and accountability. The government’s insistence on conditional funding undermines these values, as it risks silencing legitimate dissent. If opposition MPs are forced to sign agreements in exchange for funding, it becomes a form of coercion—a backdoor strategy to buy their silence. This not only erodes the opposition’s role in a democracy but also sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
2. True Reform Should Be Unconditional
The Madani government has championed the themes of reform, fairness, and the welfare of all Malaysians. These principles should translate into unconditional funding for opposition constituencies, reflecting a commitment to governance that transcends political affiliations. Tying funds to agreements contradicts the very idea of reform, as it perpetuates a cycle of transactional politics. True reform would mean providing resources to all constituencies without strings attached, ensuring no region or voter is left behind.
3. Corruption by Any Other Name
Conditional funding, even if framed as an administrative requirement, risks being perceived as a form of bribery. Offering resources in exchange for political compliance compromises the government’s anti-corruption stance. If Madani genuinely seeks to champion clean governance, it should prioritize fairness over political maneuvering and avoid imposing conditions that could be construed as buying loyalty.
4. PN’s Role in Safeguarding Political Freedom
As an opposition coalition, PN must remain steadfast in its commitment to political freedom and its duty to hold the government accountable. Signing conditional agreements could dilute PN’s ability to criticize, scrutinize, and provide alternative governance ideas. PN’s rejection of the funding deal is not just a political stance; it is a defense of its constitutional role in Malaysia’s democratic system.
5. Fairness to All States and Constituencies
Many of the states controlled by the opposition are not in desperate need of federal funds for MPs. However, fairness demands that these states, regardless of their political alignment, receive adequate funding for development and public welfare. The federal government has the tools to channel resources through NGOs, state agencies, or federal departments, ensuring equitable distribution without leveraging funding as a political tool.
6. The Spirit of Reformasi
If the Madani government truly embodies reformasi, it should embrace inclusivity, fairness, and accountability. Reforms should demonstrate that governance is above political gamesmanship. By providing funding unconditionally, the government would reinforce its commitment to reform, proving that its policies are guided by principles, not political expediency.
In the end, PN’s decision to oppose the conditional funding deal is a principled stand for democracy and political integrity. The Madani government must rise to the challenge of true reform by decoupling funding from political allegiance. Only then can it embody the values it claims to uphold and foster a fair, inclusive Malaysia.
Kazi Mahmood