By : JOHAN JAAFFAR
ANYONE can fault Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah for trying to sound idealistic in a profession known for its ruthlessness. Someone famously said that politicians neither love nor hate; interest not sentiment governs them. There is such a notion as lawlessness in politics -- anything goes, even if you have to be Brutus or worse. Integrity is a dirty word in politics. Fair play is as alien a concept as comradeship. Nothing is permanent, not even loyalty.
Naturally, when a practicing politician like Saifuddin writes a book entitled New Politics: Towards A Mature Malaysian Democracy, eyebrows are raised. Is a novice trying to sound righteous? Is he a greenhorn still unschooled in the ways of the world? Or could it be that Saifuddin, a rookie parliamentarian from Temerloh, has yet to be tainted by the culture that had engulfed those who have been there longer than him?
Saifuddin, the deputy minister at the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD), came into politics with impeccable credentials as a youth leader. He was once the president of the Malaysian Youth Council (MAYC). That speaks volumes of his stand on many issues bedevilling the people and the nation. He is not pretentious about the world he immersed himself into.
Many like him embark on a journey of no return. They simply became part of the culture they once despised. One could easily get sucked into the whirlpool of hopelessness and ambiguity. It is often a simple matter of whether one is part of the prevailing culture or an outsider trying to distance himself from it. It is a tough choice with a no-win solution in sight.
Could Saifuddin be an exception? It is a tall order considering that politics and idealism do not gel in today's world. It is not about Saifuddin or the younger generation of politicians. It is the system. Blame it on pragmatism or something. After all, it is argued that politics is the food of sense exposed to the hunger of folly. Saifuddin argues for integrity in politics, for good governance and calls on civil society. He is not kind to his own kind. He criticises destructive politicking and the politics of division that has ruined the chances for collective nation-building. More importantly he argues for diversity of opinion, a prerequisite of a civil society. In so far as there is sincerity in articulating one's position, dissenting voices should be tolerated.
It is interesting to note that Saifuddin believes, political excellence, as he sees it, is unattainable on a utilitarian basis. On the other hand, knowledge is not synonymous with information. For one to be informed does not necessarily mean one is knowledgeable. He foresees a condition where "a new political culture" rises from "knowledgeable politicians" or vice versa.
What then is the "new politics" that is the central thesis of this book? Many would beg to differ on the issue. To some it is merely another labelling and an exercise in vanity. There is no such thing as new politics nor new governance in politics. Worse, it is futile simply to give a new name to an old rule and principle. The imperatives of new politics are interesting to discuss but it's a notion as dubious as good governance in today's new political order.
But all is certainly not lost in terminology and translation. There is still hope as long as the hopefuls are around. There is nothing wrong in going back to basics. Or to rekindle the spirit of the past. Political culture was different back then. Perjuangan or struggle was the battle cry of politicians, both fledgling and veteran. Monetary returns were unheard of. In the name of bangsa and negara (race and nation) they fought the Malayan Union, struggled for Independence and nurtured the new born baby named Malaya to greater heights.
Things are different now. "Everything has its price nowadays", writes Saifuddin. Voluntarism is fast becoming a virtue of the old. To demonstrate how voluntary work these days reflects the culture in politics, Saifuddin cites the "Four T's" transportation expenses, caps, T-shirts and TV coverage.
Could a book like this change anything? Perhaps not. But one should not give up hope. Perhaps it is true that we need many more like him to change the political culture for the better. Perhaps it is nothing but wishful thinking. Datuk Seri Najib Razak who launched the book applauded Saifuddin for his honesty, burning idealism and more importantly intellectual conviction.
"It is rare for a serving member of the administration to author a book," he said. And this is one critical book that would not be well-received by his peers for its frankness and criticism.
Najib reminded the audience of the changing dynamics in society.
"We can no longer afford to live in the comfort zone. We need to change our political paradigms and approaches to be more people-friendly and people-oriented," he said. Failing which, the ruling elite will be punished at the polls. The 2008 general election was certainly a wake-up call for Umno and Barisan Nasional.
Najib warned BN leaders they cannot afford "a disconnection between the people's aspirations and the government's direction". He reminded them of an agenda for change and reform. To do so, BN needed "capable and knowledgeable leaders to perform to the expectations of the people".
Najib made a lot of reference to US President Barack Obama's mantra for change that had redefined the concept of new leadership in the world today. He also referred to Obama's themes in his speeches, that of hope and aspiration, not hatred or grief. Incidentally, Obama's inauguration happened the same day as the launch of the book. Millions who watched the speech of the 44th president of the United States were convinced that with Obama at the helm, a new era of American politics is emerging. Obama's America is one that is full of great expectations.
The young are taking charge of our destiny. So, a book like Saifuddin's makes a lot of sense even if it only makes very little difference.