‘Middle Malaysia’, a step closer to Putrajaya

JAN 20 — What is “Middle Malaysia” all about? That has been the question since the past weekend.

“Middle Malaysia prefers co-operation not conflict, consultation instead of confrontation and an inclusive, shared society rather than an exclusive, separate society.

A shared society is one that celebrates diversity and assures everyone a place in society by guaranteeing democratic participation, respect for diversity and human dignity, offering equal opportunity; and protection from discrimination.”

Those are the words of Lim Guan Eng.

Some see that as high on rhetoric while others think “Middle Malaysia” sounds more realistic than the vague 1 Malaysia. For the Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general, “Middle Malaysia belongs to every Malaysian”.

But what does it mean anyway?

At first glance, the ideals Lim puts forward would seem an attractive catch-phrase meant for the middle class, an often neglected group in Malaysia.

There is no concrete definition of Malaysia’s middle class, but it is safe to say that they are neither the poor nor the rich of this country.

All political parties love to portray themselves as the champions of the poor. Not many are interested in the hope and aspirations of the middle class.

In terms of winning votes, some leaders in DAP believe that the middle class, in particular the Chinese and Indians who had shifted their political support from Barisan Nasional in the 2008 general election, is expected to continue with the same trend in the next election.

The problem, according to some of them, is the Malay middle class. And this group of people are not necessarily those English-speaking liberals who dream of a truly fair and democratic society.

What some DAP leaders, or at least its secretary-general, seem to refer to is the “Melayu Baru” middle class or as some would have it, the Shah Alam and the Bangi middle class. Most of them are said to be Umno supporters although some are critical of the lack of reform within the party, in particular money politics and political backstabbing that have become its hallmark.

This is the group of people that the DAP leader believes can see beyond political rhetoric. Although some may think that Lim is either too idealistic or naïve, they are the potential voters that might shift their allegiance in the hope for a better Malaysia.

As many Malaysians find it difficult to think beyond race politics at present, it is almost impossible for Lim or DAP to do anything to convince the Malay middle class to change their vote.

Thus “Middle Malaysia” seems like a rallying cry for DAP’s partners in Pakatan Rakyat to facilitate the change in the country’s dominant demographic and community.

This means DAP will have to work hard to win the non-Malay votes including getting more support from the middle class — some who are still loyal to MCA, Gerakan, MIC and other component parties within Barisan, which has ruled the nation since its predecessor won Merdeka in 1957.

The Malay-dominated PKR and PAS will need to do more to gain the trust of the Malays; not just those in rural areas but also among the urban professionals.

The combined strength between PKR and PAS is the formula needed to win the hearts and minds of the middle class Malays. For a start, PKR and PAS will have to fully utilise their agreed “Muafakat Baru”, the Pakatan common platform, by sharing them with the Malays.

“Middle Malaysia” therefore is not a new “Malaysian Malaysia” for DAP but rather a common stand within Pakatan, as well as for any Malaysian who shares the dream of a new and fairer society.

The sad reality however is that politics is Malaysia will continue to dwell on race and ethnic issues, hence the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazandusun references in terms of political support and votes.

To optimists, such as Lim, at the very least “Middle Malaysia” is a step forward in Pakatan’s aim of capturing Putrajaya. It’s not an end in itself; it’s just a means to achieve the aim.

*The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.