Malaysian Politics part 4: The moderates hold the key

If you are an avid reader of newspapers, blogs and news websites like I am, then you will notice that there is a strong polarisation going on between the current ruling coalition and the opposition. Even if you would only believe half of what is written you would think that the country is on the brink of a civil war or at least close to self destruction.

The opposition accuses the government of bankrupting the country and to squander the future of Malaysia while the governement states that the opposition is the one that would bring disaster to the country. Both are wrong of course but that is politics I guess.

What is also politics in Malaysia is the constant personal attacks on both sides. It is one thing to question someones policies, it is another thing if you start accusing your opponent of murder, sodomy, rape, theft, etc. True or not, such gutter tactics should not have a place in a civilized society.

Thirdly race and racial issues have become more important in the political actions of all parties. Indian rights, Malay supremacy and Chinese economic power are daily topics. Extreme groups like Perkasa and Hindraf are regular news items no matter how ridiculous there points of view are.

So what effect does all this have on the voters? Not much in my opinion. Extreme politics will only alienate the more moderate voters and push them away from you. Both sides have their base of loyal supporters that will not move to the other side no matter what. Some people will believe through thick and thin that Anwar is the divine savior while other will never lose their faith in UMNO. So the key is that you do not have to win those staunch supporters over. In stead you need to focus on the moderates that hold the oh so important swing vote.

Moderates are allergic to extreme messages and tend to think through their pockets. They are not uneducated but are also not pure intelectuals. They like to receive clear messages that explain complex issues in simple terms. At this moment BN seems to be doing a better job of understanding that than PR.

The burden of free speech

I come from  a country where free speech is a common good and not even so much recognized as a right anymore. Everyone knows that they can say whatever they want, within reason of course. And that is the little snag! Within reason. First of all Free speech is not the same as being able to say whatever you like about whomever you like. There are rules and law that limit whatever you are allowed to say. A good example is the recent arrest of famous fashion designer John Galliano in France for uttering anti-Semitic words in a drunken rage. So insulting people, groups or races is not covered under the right to free speech. Free speech is a precious good that needs to be guarded against abuse.

Also free speech works two ways. If you believe in free speech than you should also be able to handle comments that disagree with your opinion.Free speech doesn't only mean dishing out but also taking one on the chin now and then.

Many people in Malaysia feel that there is a lack of free speech and they are absolutely right. The press is controlled by the current government and besides blogs and some web sites, the opposition has very few channels to spread their views. So the more the merrier! The opposition needs a voice and needs to be communicating with its followers.

However, many of these opposition sites and blogs, with free speech high in their banner, often go into rants about the current BN government, the ministers or any other pro-government issue or event. They often resort to ridicule or just plain slander and insult. However And the comments that the readers of these blogs make are often worse than what the contributors write. They call anyone who even slightly disagrees traitors, UMNO stooges etc. If you dare to put a comment with a dissenting opinion you will be called every dirty name in the book and you and your family will be cursed with every bad thing they can think of.

If that is how the opposition or its fanatic supporters see free speech, where is the improvement with the current censorship by the government?