LETTER | The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election brings about a scenario that implies that the coalition government has done nothing right.

Everyone is attacking the government; not just its political opponents. We have “out-of-favour” politicians, researchers, academics, writers, and those in NGOs joining the fray.

Inevitably, many of the criticisms have focused on one of the following:

• The government is incompetent and unable to rein in inflation;
• The interests of the non-Malays, particularly the Indians, were neglected;
• The country continues to wallow in extremism and bigotry;
• Racism continues to thrive and freedom of speech curtailed;
• There have also been violations of the rule of law and the practice of selective investigation and prosecution.

Some of the criticisms may be valid and the government should have done more. However, many of the problems were inherited and most difficult to resolve.

Expecting the coalition government to quickly provide equality to all is unrealistic. It took us half a century to make Malaysia what it is today, we can’t dismantle it within two years, not even after 10 years. Let’s ask ourselves - how long did the blacks in America take to attain full civil rights after the Civil War?

The government will continue, at least for some time, to pander to the needs and interests of the civil service. Which government in the past has not done this? The government and the civil service are inseparable in mutual support. It must be stupid to alienate the civil service.

Inflation is a big economic issue today and everyone is blaming the present government for it. However, we conveniently forget that inflation is a problem worldwide and its causes are simply due to “free money” injected into the economy during the pandemic, and the continuous conflicts in Ukraine and now the Middle East.

If we get free money without a corresponding increase in output and supply chains are continuously disrupted we should expect inflation.

The unity government needs the support of all its partners. Some of the partners are less than ideal, but they are necessary. Otherwise, it is game over.

Is a new govt the answer?

If most of us feel the present government has compromised too much, it would be good if someone could envisage what the situation would look like if another government took over. Will there be total surrender rather than compromise?

The coalition government came to be after long years of struggle, under the most difficult circumstances. Have we forgotten the harassment, imprisonment, and curtailments put against the opposition at the time?

Suddenly the government of the day is told to be gentlemanly and to play fair. We should ask whether the ruling government was extended the same courtesy when they were in opposition.

I am a simple thinker. If we are fighting for survival, we should put ethics and fair play aside, especially when we know the alternative is no better.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.