Beware 'Janus-faced' politicians and Leviathans, says mythology-inspired Ramasamy
Making liberal use of mythic references, a Penang DAP leader has warned Pakatan Harapan against the practice of "Janus-faced" politics (Janus is the ancient Roman god of duality and transition known for having two faces).
Waxing lyrical, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy said the nature of "Janus-faced politics" is not so much about diametrically opposite views, but rather how the past comes to haunt future progress.
"We really cannot blame the non-existence of democratic norms, procedures and values if we are not prepared to abandon old ways of thinking that seek to find solace in the emergence of a Leviathan," Ramasamy said.
In this case, Ramasamy was referring to a 'sea monster' first referenced in the Bible's Book of Job but which also came to mean a 'monstrous whale' by the time of its mention in Herman Melville's Moby Dick.
Making liberal use of mythic references, a Penang DAP leader has warned Pakatan Harapan against the practice of "Janus-faced" politics (Janus is the ancient Roman god of duality and transition known for having two faces).
Waxing lyrical, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy said the nature of "Janus-faced politics" is not so much about diametrically opposite views, but rather how the past comes to haunt future progress.
"We cannot blame the non-existence of democratic norms, procedures and values if we are not prepared to abandon old ways of thinking that seek to find solace in the emergence of a Leviathan," Ramasamy said.
In this case, Ramasamy was referring to a 'sea monster' first referenced in the Bible's Book of Job, but which also came to mean a 'monstrous whale' by the time of its mention in Herman Melville's Moby Dick.
"Modern day Leviathan’s politics is about authoritarianism," said Ramasamy.
"It about people in emergent democratic societies yearning for something from the past that has non-democratic roots," he added.
"Somehow, despite the notable gains in the last election, there are powerful forces pulling back to the original position," Ramasamy warned.
Latheefa's appointment 'done dictatorially'
Ramasamy was referring to Latheefa's appointment as the MACC chief commissioner, which garnered a mixed response, most notably from within Pakatan Harapan.
Ramasamy himself began his literature-inspired critique of the appointment by comparing it to the George R R Martin's blockbuster Game of Thrones.
There is a general consensus with regard to Latheefa's capabilities, but critics, however, have questioned Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for bypassing procedures agreed to by the ruling coalition.
The prime minister, however, is firm on his decision, saying he chose Latheefa as she was the right candidate for the job.
Latheefa replaced Mohd Shukri Abdull, who decided to cut short his two-year contract due to expire next May.
Ramasamy expressed concerns over the appointment and function of Latheefa Koya as MACC chief.
"Being only responsible to the prime minister, she might be lacking the support of the parliament or any other agencies in the war against corruption.
A lone battle looms
" In the ultimate sense, she might be fighting a lone battle, " he said.
"The issue is not so much the recent appointment of Latheefa as the new MACC chief. It is much more than this.
"It is about whether we want to be entrapped in Janus-faced politics — of political ambivalence," added Ramasamy.
"Although the appointment of Latheefa has received mixed responses, what is sad is that there is a sizeable segment of Malaysians opting for a decisive stand on the matter to the extent of setting aside the practice of democracy," he added.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir was praised for his firm decision in the appointment, without paying heed to the requirements of the democratic process.
"The question is: what happened to the Pakatan Harapan Manifesto that promised new democratic politics? Where are the promises made to steer the nation from corruption and kleptocracy? Are we witnessing a return to the old form of authoritarian politics?" Ramasamy asked.
He added that firm decision making is not a prerequisite for a healthy democracy.
He stressed that important decisions of the nation must be decided on the basis of consultation and agreement.
"In our desire to reconstitute the social, political, cultural and economic system, have we found the easy way out by unwittingly allowing for the concentration of power in the hands of the executive?" he concluded rhetorically.
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