Gerakan Dilemma

As our country changes and we face new challenges to sustainable growth and development, new political agenda’s surface allowing for new political objectives, strategies and leaderships. We all know public perception and support can be significant cause to decide the faith of a party.

Since Gerakan was ousted in Penang, over time, negative remarks and perception of the party is nothing new. Recently I again encountered the same but interestingly none of them who commented knew that I am from Gerakan. Words like “I see no future in Gerakan; by losing the political jewel of Penang, Gerakan is counting their D-day; Gerakan is going to be irrelevant and soon goes into oblivion; Gerakan is a mosquito party, no one actually bothers; Gerakan is a shadow of UMNO – can never stand up against UMNO; Gerakan’s claim of multi-racial and its quest to the consicence of BN is no more appealing; Gerakan’s emphasis on the Constitution and Rukun Negara has lost its value; Gerakan has lost in touch with the grounds and largely ignorant of public perception and as it is, unless there is some major transformation, Gerakan will remain stagnant if not get worst in the political arena; Gerakan is a sinking ship etc”…Wosh! aren’t these remarks discouraging?

Time flies, we are approaching the second half of the year. Some of the aspired and talented leaders have left or became dormant in the party. Many within the family are losing their steam to struggle for good cause and being uncertain with the party’s wavering vision. Several members who maintain a proactive attitude are there for the passion or ironic selfish agenda. Some are still ignorant of the reality. The rebranding and reform exercises has yet to lead the party anywhere fruitful. Although many meetings were conducted especially among the CCs, such time is squandered. Leaders prefer to keep quiet and compliant during the meetings and then voice or blog their objections to the whole world later. Some are in fear of the consequences of voicing ideas, opinions and taking actions that may be different from or against the President. Some have the fire but lack of support and resources. Some want the party to leave BN without understanding the repercussion of it. Some blame it on the president and demand a change, worrying that the latter is not championing the cause of the party as a whole. Generally most just wait and see, hoping for the best before they can restart their engine. Relatively all these are a legitimate concern and behaviour but we must be radically practical.

The above culture is definitely counter-productive and potentially destructive. Legitimacy is one thing, none of us (in the party) want to hear that had the party been able to achieve unity and common struggle for the same good cause, Gerakan could have acted more forcefully and cohesively in averting demise!

However one of the critics did mentioned that Gerakan is getting stronger in the federal cabinet and by having good relationships between the president and PM, it would not die easily. Others within the party are optimistic that with the present memberships, potential leaders, 6 representatives (state and federal) and assets, there is still a bright future as historically it is proven that our political scene fluctuates. Positively, like it or not, the party has a Minister and two Deputies, a wonderful HQ, a new website, a reorganised SEDAR and many are still actively serving and voicing out in the media. Thus Gerakan can still be relevant and become an effective party.

Now having said the above, I of course want to see Gerakan regaining the golden years instead of surviving the relegation battle (yalah still EPL mood). To do that, Gerakan must encourage a strong and united team – a sincere one. The culture of nodding heads attentively, verbal affirmations and praise, having sides and favouritism will be a negligence. Gerakan must realise that disagreement does not equate anarchy or disrespect. It starts from the top to instil such culture. This will be a great start. Some of the feedbacks I received within the party are the members have no clear objectives nor particular direction to motivate them to commit. A healthy organisation or political party is not about its committee members only. Although intellectual capability and educational background may be an important criteria to keep the party moving, one must not neglect the hardworking, committed, passionate, idealistic and faithful members of the party. Like it or not, by having such a vast experience, I am sure the President has a constructive plan and purpose in mind, it is only a question of execution.

As a whole, Gerakan knows the party need to regain its multiracial origin, although it will be an uphill task, the party need be different from PKR or DAP. After all non-sectarian party was initiated by Gerakan. But the truth is, in Malaysia, race matters. The party’s modus operandi and ideology need to be recalibrated if Gerakan wants to win back support from the rakyats, grassroots and component parties. The party learned from mistakes, losing touch with the grassroots and grounds, arrogance, contention and incompetence had cost Gerakan dearly. In essence, I see many potential and sincere members where everyone should draw their collective wisdom, knowledge, intelligence and experience, each being united and committed to the party. Gerakan must start moving. Yes, Gerakan will shine again.