Does it sound familiar if I describe the political processes now prevailing in the country in this way?

There are no controversies, arguments, and malfeasance; there is no need for the country’s top leader to explain anything or to find his way out of the hole. There are no grievous problems faced by Umno or the country today. There is no disunity within the party. Those making noise are either power crazy or sour grape people and they constitute less than one percent of the party members or leaders. Many of them are ‘have been’ politicians with expired shelf life.

Everything is hunky dory. The party is strong. The cause of the party is clear - for ‘bangsa, agama dan negara’. The country’s economy is doing superbly. The top leader of the party and the government can do no wrong. All must support the leader, no matter what.

Gag orders are everywhere. No one could say anything other than supporting the top leader unequivocally.

For years now, the number one in party can never be contested or challenged. Not only that, the grassroots of party can’t even criticise the number one. Anyone doing that will be immediately ostracised and branded as a traitor.

There is no need to feel ashamed of propagating racism and bigotry. On the contrary, leaders are encouraged to boldly and actively promoting them.

Malfeasance, poor governance, and incompetence are to be tolerated. Blind loyalty and patronage are more important. Future and overall well-being of the people are less important than instant gratification.

Who in Umno is thinking of the future of this country? Who in Umno is thinking of managing the Malaysian economy in the prudent and sustainable way? Umno is a national party, but who in Umno is reassuring and comforting all Malaysians regardless of race, region and creed? If someone is doing that, may I know what is it? Can they spell out clearly for all to see?

It is time for politicians to realise that political power alone can’t create income and wealth for the country. The government can tax more and create more fiat money, but not real goods and services. Excessive government ‘adventurism’ could only lead to price escalation - the illusion of everyone become richer nominally but poorer in real terms.

Increasingly, the government is taxing the productive sectors and rewarding the unproductive ones. Introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to pay for the government’s profligate ways is a typical example. There are limits to this abuse. Eventually something must give.

Looking at the political discourse being played out, I think democracy and open government are now alien to us. Precipitously we are now a society that is insular, feudal, docile and subservient. The next generation will be worse once the present generation is gone.