by Anna Lee
Nowhere was the divide between new and old politics more apparent than as demonstrated during three events in the month of May. These events underline the growing divide between old-style “street fighter” politics and the new political culture that is fast eclipsing its predecessor.
It started on Wednesday when an angry UMNO mob stormed the Penang state assembly in protest against remarks made by the Seri Delima Assemblyman. That same evening, a group of youths clad in BN uniforms heckled the DAP candidate for Teluk Intan when she was greeting voters in pasar malam. The next day, a group of UMNO youth demonstrated outside and threatened to burn down the DAP National Headquarters.
While our country has known more violent protests, these three incidents serve as a grim reminder that the outdated mentality of old school politics must go. When I talk about “old school politics”, I’m not referring to age or even the traditional methods of British parliamentary democracy.
I’m describing “old politics” which cannot be challenged, refuses to adapt to the changing demands of the electorate, and wants to protect its own interest above all else. In other words, someone practicing “old politics”, regardless of their age, is one who has lost the plot for legitimacy and is losing the battle for relevance.
Voters no longer accept that “might is right”
It used to be that he who shouted the loudest, won. By brandishing violence and making threats to be heard, old-style politics was part gangster bluff and part dramatic bravado.
In an era of unlimited connectivity, this is no longer the case. The rise of social media has also driven up voter’s expectations and sophistication. It is no longer enough for voters to see their MPs faces in the newspapers, pointing at drains. They want smarter, more relatable and accessible politicians to lead them.
Ubiquitous smart phones ensure that even young children can see every embarrassing second of political sandiwara in high quality playback. Reputations, and subsequently political fortunes, can be built or destroyed with a single viral video. Just ask “Kak Listen” or “Miss Tow Truck”.
People who are exposed to information are no longer easy targets for fear-mongering as they are more likely to be skeptical about the official version of events.
Politics of fear and hatred
As movie scripts go, you can always tell the bad guys from the good guys because they are uglier and stupider. So it was with old politics: you create a villain and pin all the nation’s woes on him. Communists, Jews, Christians, Chinese, Syiah, Anwar, LGBT, liberalism, etc. have all been the fall guy depending on what storyline was required.
Well, people are getting bored of two-dimensional politics. Say goodbye to cardboard characters and welcome to a world where transparency is valued and positivity begets followers.
While UMNO blogs and politicians were busy attacking Dyana Sofya’s credibility and family, she responded with maturity and poise. Other successful leaders such as Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan have demonstrated the same level-headedness and restraint which “old school” politicians would not exhibit.
In the three May events, UMNO/BN’s fear tactics lost them respect in the eyes of the public, while those in tune with new politics won respect and admiration, which naturally translates into support and votes.
Politicians, take note. You can no longer bully, bribe or bulldoze voters into marking ‘X’ beside your symbol. In this brave new world of new politics, voters want to be heard, acknowledged, and consulted.
Those who cannot reinvent themselves to keep up with the pace will find themselves outdated and, very soon, obsolete. Meanwhile, many more savvy politicians who speak the language of new politics wait in the wings to replace them. -The Rocket
