The reality of a new political landscape in Malaysia Baharu is the existence of a two-party system and two divided political territories.
Since the last 14th General election, the battle keeps going in the form of by-elections. In Sg Kandis, Seri Setia and Balakong, Pakatan Harapan (PH) won handsomely despite its inability to keep the 100-day promise. It is pretty obvious that the two forces are still at war especially when UMNO and PAS have formed close cooperation together.
Like it or not, UMNO and PAS have opened up to meet a new challenge. For PAS, the Islam-centric line it takes thus far has accommodated pretty well with the Malay-centric UMNO, even with some resistance shown by some quarters. In the process, MCA and MIC have lost their significance due to the failure to garner enough support from their respective communities and the split-up votes into various opposition parties as clearly demonstrated in the previous three by-elections.
There is no basis to worry that the two-party system would accelerate into major battles when “the winner turns into ashes and the loser turns into charcoal (“Yang menang jadi abu dan Yang kalah jadi arang“).
The rakyat has made the decision and for sure the winner has to carry out the responsibility in order to be re-elected in the 15th General election.
No way the government can stop the dissatisfied lots. Matters pertinent to their life like accelerating cost of living, protection to the right of the Malays, alleged selective persecution, to mention a few have to be answered to the satisfaction of the rakyat.
All in all, I believe PH as a party has won the battle and generally, the rakyat has won the war.
Born in Kedah. Studied at Alam Shah, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and King's College, University of London. Previously, acted as Head, Dept of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Currently, works as Professor of Psychiatry at Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah International Islamic University, Kedah. Married and blessed with 4 grown-up children.
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