The Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition party that governs Malaysia is often presented as a multi-ethnic coalition party. This is a myth. In reality BN represents a coalition of ethnic based parties led by Umno. In semblance they portray themselves as a multi-ethnic party. Nothing can be further from the truth. In reality all coalition members champion ethnic interests be it Umno, MCA or MIC.

There are also other parties like the Gerakan or the People’s Progressive Party. While these are supposed to be multi-ethnic parties, they have taken the colour of BN and purely represent ethnic interests. This myth has to be exposed if we are to understand why we have failed and ethnic polarisation continues to be on the rise.

We have had the Rukunegara. This was followed by Vision 2020. Then we had Islam Hadhari and more recently 1Malaysia. All these represent attempts at reducing polarisation, strengthening common interests and projecting a vision of a progressive multi-ethnic nation.

The key question remains as to whether ethnic-based parties can promote and inspire multi-ethnic ideals and reduce polarisation. The reality on the ground is a sound 'No'. It is in this sense that the BN as it is currently constituted has failed the nation and the expectations of citizens at large.

You cannot contain or fight extremism by being a racist of one sort or another. That is why we have Perkasa, Hindraf and Chinese education groups. Others promoting a religious stance are also on the horizon. This paradox comes even clearer when we talk about the National Unity Department under succeeding PMs. These remain toothless tigers and the same goes for such bodies as the Interfaith Councils, etc.

Are all these sham ploys under the guise of stability giving politicians a free hand to promote their ethnic agendas?

Ethnic based parties realise that their vote bank remains the ethnic ghettoes where they have to go during every elections and shout out what they would deliver for their ethnic group even at the expense of the needs of other ethnic groups. This is the nature of ethnic politics. Just reflect on the AGMs of all these parties over the last many years which attests to this reality. This is the singular reason why we have failed in enhancing ethnic relations.

While there is so much talk about Transformation there is no question of transformation when it comes to the political structures and parties. Unless there is serious transformation on the part of BN they will remain archaic, filled with platitudes and ethnic rhetoric.

Who will take up the mantle and transform BN into a multi-ethnic party with representation at all levels and a party that functions with dialogue, consensus and the interest of all Malaysians at heart? Without such an emphasis we are only going to get more and more of what he have seen and experienced. Taken to its logical conclusions this can be frightening.

A shadow of what it was earlier

The reality is that BN is a shadow of what it  was earlier. Its majority has been cut short and the party has not grown with the aspirations of the people. The leaders of MIC, MCA and Gerakan are all MPs who are in parliament with lesser than a 300-vote majority. With all the skulduggery one even questions if this was legitimately achieved. The BN presently is a sham.

However, it has leaders who do subscribe to a multi-ethnic agenda and unless they are ready to stand up and be counted and inspire the creation of a third force the future for BN  and the nation is fraught with grave danger.

Where are these progressive leaders who love this nation and have a vision for it? We have in place ideals like the Rukunegara and Vision 2020 but these need leaders who will create and shape political structures and systems that can deliver.

Why have we reached a situation when ‘moderates’ have to speak out and express their concerns? Without an inclusive and transparent approach the challenges facing multi-ethnic societies are immense. Ethnic based parties are inadequate in today’s globalised and challenging environment.

Furthermore we are past the stage where identity issues be it religion, ethnicity or language should be the basis of political engagement. As a progressive nation we should empower our society on the basis of justice, freedom, empowerment and the right of all Malaysians to contribute and receive a fair share of the Malaysian sun. Is this asking too much after 57 years of Independence?

Political parties that champion causes beyond identity issues are critically needed as we move forward.