I was sad. I was disappointed. How did this happen? From February 23, 2020 to March 1, 2020 – the government that I had voted in was no more. In just one week, the political landscape in Malaysia underwent a radical make-over. Although not quite the same, it reminded me of Project Runaway’s oft-quoted line, ‘As you know in fashion, one day you’re in. And the next day, you’re out.’ Or ‘As you know in Malaysian politics, one week you are in Putrajaya. And, the next week, you are not.’

There are so many things that I cannot get my head around. I have read views and opinions. I have listened to experts and analysts. I have scanned verified and unverified messages on social media. I have considered and reconsidered conspiracy, betrayal, wolf in sheep’s clothing and pulling the rug under your feet theories. After all that, I am still none the wiser.   

I have so many questions? All academic now, I suppose. Still… Why? What? How can? Foremost is why did Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resign? I wondered out loud because he is a charismatic and experienced leader. He holds the record as the longest serving prime minister in Malaysia. Second time around, as the 7^th prime minister, he commanded the respect of the people, his cabinet ministers and Member of Parliament (MPs) from the governing coalition parties  He had the authority and strength of character to advise, admonish and bring together bickering MPs. To buckle down, put aside personal agendas (a tall order for self-serving politicians, I guess), and serve the people, who put Pakatan Harapan (PH) in government; in control and in power. And, mainly to do right by the people, who gave him and PH the mandate and opportunity to make right what was not right before.

What is a unity government as proposed by Tun Dr Mahathir? I am not entirely sure. He said ‘I will form a government that will not side with any party.’ I took that to mean a non-partisan government, where ministers forming the cabinet would come from all parties, ruling and not. It’s not a bad concept because politicians and party politicking most often tend to override the people and country’s interests. But, how would it work? Who gets to appoint or employ ministers? What checks and balances are there on the person/s who makes the appointment? How will these individual ministers be accountable for their performance? Will the cabinet be like a company of individuals, responsible for specific tasks? And, at GE15, how are people expected to vote?

The other question that has been troubling me no end is how a legally elected government can, albeit a coalition of four parties, be usurped by one of its own, ironically called Bersatu? And, to add insult to injury, be able to form a majority government by joining forces with opposition parties, UMNO and PAS. The very same two parties that Bersatu with its former allies stood against in GE14. I am not questioning loyalties. I am not questioning principles. There aren’t any as evidenced by the party hopping, forked tongues and U-turns. I am questioning why my vote, together with all the other votes, that added up to legitimately help Pakatan Harapan win GE14, did not count, did not matter. A small group of politicians, people just like you and me, who act mightier than you and me, have decided our collective fate – the fate of millions of people. It doesn’t seem fair or right.

Was thinking last week. It would have been quite a show stopper, and muted any rumblings by disgruntled claimants if MP’s could have been gathered together. And, their support for – whichever leader or party – was televised live for all to see. A show of hands, maybe or maybe not? Considering how nimble MP’s are at jumping and hopping. 

The political drama is still going on. I am still a little sad and disappointed but life goes on. My wish list is not long for the new government. I hope to continue to have the freedom to think, to speak, to discuss, to write and to assemble peacefully, which was enjoyed over the last two years. I hope the powers that be, which continue to preach that people and country come first, will do more to implement institutional reforms to thwart or at least make it more difficult to steal big money or syphon huge funds that are meant for the betterment of the people and country’s growth and development. I hope for Malaysia, Negaraku.