It's a game of perception

There are only two dominant types of creatures in politics as far as I am concerned.

Those who really want to serve the people and contribute to the betterment of the society and the other being those who involve themselves solely for the reason of business opportunities.

I still remember when I used to emphasise on this point with a former political secretary that if a political organisation is infested with the second type of creature, then this may not augur well for the overall development of that organisation and it is just a matter of time before the people vote them out.

In politics, perception really matters and it is the perception that shapes the people’s mind and influence the way votes are cast.

In the aftermath of the 2006 state election, a political scientist from renowned John Hopkins University in Washington conducted a talk on the factors leading to the disastrous outing for SUPP when it lost eight out of 19 seats it contested.

One of the factors mentioned by this political scientist who came all the way from Kuala Lumpur, much to the chagrin of the party leaders present I guess, was that the party candidates were generally much older at an average age of 60’s compared to the Opposition candidates who averagely stood at 40’s.

Another factor was of course the perception that certain leaders were dealing in some business opportunities which was in direct conflict of interest.

So it is these two factors coupled with few other reasons which formed the perception of the people towards the party despite the many explanations given during election campaign ceramahs to quash such notions which led to the overwhelm support for the Opposition especially in Chinese majority seats.

In an online poll conducted recently, BN was overwhelmingly perceived to be practising excessive cronyism, corruption, money politics and abuse of power.

This could well the reason why the ruling coalition was denied its first ever two third majorities since 1969 as well as losing five states to the PR which was perceived to be an alternative better government.

The point here is politicians need to have integrity when it comes to the so-called “serving the people” which has become a common phrase among politicians.

But do these politicians know or understand exactly what does it mean by “serving the people” when the majority of people perceive them as being up there just to grab business opportunities?

In Penang, when its new Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng came out with the new idea of open tender for government projects and it was well received not only by the business circle but also the people.

This practice has definitely put the DAP secretary general in the good book of the people despite the fact that the open tender system may still subject to certain abuses.

But it does not matter whether it is subject to abuses or not as Guan Eng has done what is ought to be done and it is furthermore seen to be done as well, thus winning the hearts of the people.

In a survey conducted by Global Corruption Barometer (GCB), two third of those surveyed had no faith in the ruling government’s effort to fight corruption despite the setting up of Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

Contrary to our neighbouring country, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s popularity has surged ahead of the presidential election as the Indonesians value the perceived integrity of their President and this perception may well give him another term to lead the country.

Politicians from both divides cannot run away from public scrutiny as they are the servant of the people drawing taxpayers’ money.

The British MPs expenses scandal may well ring an alarm bell to our politicians here that old time politics is well gone and the people are hot on their heels as they become more educated and well travelled.

If they are in only for business opportunities, then it is better for this bunch of people to leave politics and leave it untainted and remain noble so as to give renewed impression or perception to the people.

The coming state election which is due in 2011 may well be another game of perception where PR, with its battle-cry of People’s Supremacy will be eyeing the state after its successful outing in five out of six by-elections thus far.

BN on the other hand must ensure that Sarawak remains its stronghold while trying to impress people with its Politics of Development.

Whoever is perceived to be the best choice to rule the state will definitely win the game.