Malaysia leads by example

Barely noticed by the outside world, changes appear to be taking place in some countries of Southeast Asia. These changes may seem to have been inspired by recent events in the Arab world, euphemistically referred to as the Arab Spring, but that need not be the case.

Malaysia is a case in point. Its Prime Minister Najeeb Razzaq recently announced that he was planning to replace the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) and relax some of the restrictions on the media.

While Najeeb’s courage deserves praise because the ISA was used by past governments to highhandedly imprison and eliminate political opponents, his foresightedness is reflected in his calculations to take the wind out of the sails of the opposition which was taking aim at the country’s rigid and anachronistic security laws in the campaign for the next elections which are likely to take place early next year.

Najeeb’s repeal of the ISA has also, indirectly, put pressure on neighbouring Singapore to repeal its own ISA. Singapore has been governed much of its post-independence period by the Lee dynasty.

No doubt, Singaporeans enjoy a very high per capita income which is amongst the highest in Asia and also comparable to western income levels. The average Singaporean lives today longer and healthier than most Asians, and is also more disciplined than his chaotic neighbours in the region. Yet, there has been a long yearning for what is described as “true freedom”, with the enshrined constitutional right to criticise, have an independent judiciary and an unfettered media. Having attained a high level of prosperity, the holy grail for the Singaporeans would be true democracy with all the trappings of freedom. In fact, Singapore has solid economic fundamentals that would be conducive to building strong democratic institutions without creating political instability. A smooth transition from the present system to a democratic structure should not be a major problem in that city state.

While the Arab Spring countries seem to have been hit by the domino effect; this may not necessarily happen in Southeast Asia if the ruling elites start loosening their grip on the masses and allow the principle of self-determination.

Three other countries of the Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand have been reinforcing their commitment to democracy and ‘real freedom’, but their resolve has not gone beyond lip service. Indeed, the Philippines and Indonesia are still wavering when it comes to fully strengthening democratic institutions. Indeed, the US Department of State report on religious freedom urges Indonesia to protect and strengthen the rights of the those facing religious discrimination.

Myanmar is, of course, a ‘tough nut’ to crack, as some Asean diplomats describe it. The military junta in that country will sooner or later have to usher in reforms that will do justice to the people’s aspirations for economic and political freedom. Allowing the opposition to operate in an unhindered manner would be the first step toward that goal. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi may not be under lock and key but she still faces many political pressures from the unpopular junta. Her key supporters are still behind bars and should be released.

The Arab Spring has so far not created any upheavals in Southeast Asia where changes should come from the local people and not be ‘imported’. However, the events unfolding in the Arab world have made some of the leaders in Southeast Asia acutely aware that history will judge them harshly if they failed to provide the badly-needed changes. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s advice 20 years ago to the stubborn leader of the now defunct German Democratic Republic, Erich Honecker, who refused to see the impending collapse of the Berlin Wall, comes to mind: “Life punishes those who come too late!”

After repealing the ISA, Najeeb should also find a way to uplift the minorities in Malaysia, who face discrimination and gross disadvantages in their daily lives because of the affirmative action that favours the Bumiputra majority and gives them a rich bounty of benefits. Restrictions and limitations have in the past not allowed the other two big minorities — the Chinese and Indians make up about 40 per cent of the population — to move towards emancipation because they do not have a level-playing field.

Najeeb could gradually institute political reforms and usher in an era of harmony and equality to help the weaker sections of society. This would also conform to his vision of 1Malaysia, a national goal which professes equality for all.

Malaysia would be looked upon as a shining example of democracy in a region surrounded by the tempestuous waters of dissent.

Manik Mehta is a commentator on Asian affairs.