The rise of ethno-populism dangerous for country: Jomo
Jomo Kwame Sundaram warned today of the danger of ethno-populism, as exemplified by the cooperation of Umno and PAS.
"There is a very dangerous belief that ethno-populism is the way forward for the new opposition alliance," the Khazanah Research Institute senior adviser told a forum at the International Islamic University Malaysia today...
Jomo Kwame Sundaram warned today of the danger of ethno-populism, as exemplified by the cooperation of Umno and PAS.
"There is a very dangerous belief that ethno-populism is the way forward for the new opposition alliance," the Khazanah Research Institute senior adviser told a forum at the International Islamic University Malaysia today.
Jomo pointed out that Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa once spoke of Islam encouraging assabiyah or solidarity, which another leader interpreted to mean tribal consciousness.
"So, you have two different views seemingly merged in the new alliance," he said.
"This is the challenge before us, for the leaders, especially for Muslim leaders, to point the way forward and encourage all Muslims and leaders to speak the truth."
Read more: Jomo: 1MDB, ECRL were used to fund elections
As Jomo pointed out, several countries around the globe are also adopting nationalist populism, some of which target Muslims.
"More and more politicians are giving in to the temptation to ride the ethno-populist way," he said.
In another development, Jomo said the GE14 provided the opportunity for the new government to instill a system for proper political financing.
This is important to ensure the political parties no longer rely on corporations or illicit means, to obtain funds, thus curbing money politics, he said.
"This is not going to work, unless (political parties) have an alternative source of financing and strict rules."
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